This past year, life as we knew it, evaporated in front of our very eyes, leaving most of humankind befuddled and unsure. People whose very life force is music, felt a surge of endless darkness invade their souls as live shows were unceremoniously canceled. The music world wondered if there would ever be a level of normalcy again. Just as It seemed that all hope was lost, like the mythical Phoenix rising from the ashes, Evanescence released the first single off their upcoming album, The Bitter Truth (BMG). The album, the band’s first original LP in ten years, became a beacon of hope for fans and music lovers alike. A total of five singles were released before the album dropped, each single gifted fans with the healing power of music and a glimpse into the musical mastery of the twelve-track album. 

‘Artifact/The Turn’, is entrancing from the very moment lead singer Amy Lee unleashes her siren song. ‘Broken Pieces Shine’ featuring a thunderous double kick that obliterates the dreamlike aura created by the first track. Track three, ‘The Game Is Over,’ is the type of song that many newby songsters dream of writing. The lyrics alone are so profoundly raw that there is no doubt reading them sans the instrumental track will leave a lasting impression. Track four,’ Yeah Right’, the next single released, slowly uncoils to reveal a deliciously snarky tone and an infectious techno backing track. A lighthearted undertone seems to be emerging but is then demolished by drummer Will Hunt’s aggressive attack of his drum kit. The first single released, ‘Wasted On You’, track six is awash with the same shadowy bitterness as track four, but with a “somber melodic backbone. ‘Better Without You’ is a powerful anthem, highly relatable to anyone who has ever had their heart mangled by a careless lover.

The next track, ‘Use My Voice’ is a spine-tingling lyrical piece de resistance. Guitarist Troy Mclawhorn shows the depth of his talent with his superlative, awe-inducing playing on this track. The emotionally charged bridge and breakdown in this song are nothing short of musical perfection. The other tracks are extraordinary in their own right such as’ Far from Heaven’ the album’s standout tearjerker. Amy Lee’s vocal delivery of the lyrics is as powerful as the words she is singing. Loss and unbearable grief echo in Lee’s voice, making the feeling of hopelessness almost palpable.

The album resonates with subtle nuances’ that Evenessence has embraced the evolution. Their collective songwriting reflects the utter chaos we were thrust into the past year. Hands down, Evanescence has set the bar colossally high with this album, 

Buy the album here: https://evanescence.lnk.to/TheBitterTruthID

8 / 10

SKULLGURL METALCHICK