Review: Evanescence – Synthesis

Artist: Evanescence
Album: Synthesis
Rating: 10/10

Since 2011, fans have clamored for a new album from goth rockers Evanescence. When news broke of their return from hiatus, the internet and the airwaves exploded with excitement. While Amy Lee remains incredibly active in other aspects of her life (one of which is being a mother), the result of what is to come is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. After dabbling in children’s music, movie scores and other, more intimate-sounding aspects of her talent… Synthesis is but 3 days from being unveiled upon the world. What is Synthesis? Simply put: it’s a collection of the band’s greatest hits, scored to a symphony and a lot of electronic elements, with a couple of new songs to tide fans over. Most will say “well, that’s just a “re-issue” type of release!” For those who take the time to experience Synthesis, though, listeners will find something much more than that. There’s more than a couple of reasons that this is being called the band’s fourth studio album… nothing about these songs that you’ve come to know will ever be the same.

First off, there’s always been a certain tragic beauty and mysticism to the band’s music. We’re talking about the band who created songs such as “Lithium,” “Call Me When You’re Sober,” “Imaginary” and, yes, even “Bring Me to Life.” With these new elements added in, there lies a whole new world, and it’s intensified through each arrangement. One of the most interesting parts of this release is that “Bring Me to Life” exists, in its original form, sans-rap and explores a new side of the song that hits you harder, emotionally, than you might expect. While the version that made the band popular featured a more active rock edge to it, the stripped down, no-frills version that exists on Synthesis tells a much more melancholic story.

If you really want to judge Lee’s worth as a songwriter/composer, you need look no further than the re-imagining of a track like “Never Go Back” and the new track “Hi Lo.” These tracks show her in her element, with her vocal talent being put on full display with light piano play and building into a beautiful cacophony of symphonic elements, expertly mixed with some interesting electronics (think dubstep, but less annoying.) You will find your emotions intensifying as the track builds, breaks and takes you on a wild ride.

The emotional intensity and relate-able nature that Evanescence has always conveyed through their music is one reason that fans are so apt to cling to them. Just when you thought you couldn’t feel any deeper about a song like “Lithium,” which is known for its dark, melancholic atmosphere, the symphony comes in and finds a way to emphasize it in just the right way. Feel those tears rolling down? It’s time to tap into a more vulnerable side of the human experience.

Synthesis elevates every element that has made fans hold onto the band for so many years. There is no other way to describe the experience that comes with listening to this album than to say it is “epic.” Even that is discrediting to just how mind-blowing this all came out because, really, there are no words in the human language to describe just how amazing this album is. In an industry where bands are motivated by money and fame, Evanescence finds a way to tap into just what it means to “listen” to music. A truly captivating, mystifying and wonderful world awaits you with the release of Synthesis, out November 10th through Sony/BMG. You can check out the official music video for “Imperfection” below, as well as find pre-orders in a number of options (including our favorite, vinyl!) We urge you… if you do anything this year, pick up this record… you won’t regret it! Oh, and did we mention that the band is taking this experience on the road with them this Fall/Winter? Dates for the “Synthesis Live” tour are below, don’t miss it and don’t wait to get your tickets!

“Imperfection” (Official Music Video)

Pre-Order Synthesis

Catch EVANESCENCE on the “Synthesis Live” tour in the following cities: