JON MORENO — Arts & Entertainment Editor
1. “What You Want” – This is the first official single from Evanescence’s new self-titled album after a five-year hiatus. Despite the mixed feelings for this record, it’s a new sound for the band while still staying true to what made them popular in the first place. Not a bad song, just expected something bigger after being away for half a decade. 2/5 Owls.
2. “Made Of Stone” – Hard guitar riffs and eerie Amy Lee vocals equal to vintage Evanescence here. This potentially could’ve been a stronger single for the band. The breakdown towards the end of the song with a gentle piano crashing with a rough guitar riff capping off with a sick guitar solo reminds me why I became a fan in the first place. 4/5 Owls.
3. “The Change” – The song starts with a quickly paced drum pattern as Amy complements the beat as it builds into the chorus. Strong track. 3/5 Owls.
4. “My Heart Is Broken” – The keys in the beginning of this song tell a story in its own as it plays softly behind Amy. The drums finally kick in after about a minute with Terry’s signature guitar sound following. Great song, overall. 4/5 Owls.
5. “The Other Side” – “Yeah buddy…” was my first reaction upon playing this song. It quickly demands attention and keeps it throughout. 3/5 Owls.
6. “Erase This” – The momentum continues here as it Evanescence prove more and more that the single was just a fluke. Evanescence hasn’t changed its style up a bit. They still have it. 3/5 owls.
7. “Lost In Paradise” – Evanescence finally slows down the tempo here. With a soft piano accompanied by even softer strings before drums and guitar kick in about a minute in, Amy once again shows off her vocal chords in a song about being lost in paradise, which doesn’t sound too bad, if you ask me.
8. “Sick” – If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Evanescence seems to believe in that religiously because they continue to use the same sound. However, it works here. 3/5 Owls.
9. “End Of The Dream” – Not the best song on the album but by still worth a listen. Same formula as usual here. Nothing spectacular. 2/5 Owls.
10. “Oceans” – Evanescence don’t usually use synths to kick off their songs with but it’s very well used here. The drums kick in and it’s back to a typical Evanescence sound. Guitar solos are always a plus. It’s a matter of time before this band is featured in a Batman movie’s soundtrack. I feel like I’m in Gotham City when I listen to these guys for some odd reason! It’s an eerie, hard sound that suits a Batman setting perfectly. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me. OK, moving on. 3/5 Owls.
11. “Never Go Back” – Not much to say here. Album is starting to feel repetitive at this point. 2/5 Owls.
12. “Swimming Home” – Evanescence choose to close off the album on a calmer note. It’s a bit too slow, as I would hope for a stronger album closing.
Overall: 2/5 Owls.
