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Rating:
There are those who are not fully convinced by this album, but as far as I'm concerned, I can say I fully appreciate it. With their third work, released in November 2004, Within Temptation show, in my opinion, that they improve with each album and certainly possess musical talent. The sound quality has certainly improved not only thanks to the well-defined mixing but also thanks to the presence of a real Russian orchestra, which is particularly noticeable through the use of flutes and violins, as well as wind and string instruments in general.
It starts with an instrumental "Intro," lasting almost 2 minutes, where gothic choirs intertwine, led by the sharp and crystalline voice of the vocalist Sharon Den Adel. Right afterward, the first track, "See Who I Am," kicks in with a rather gritty introduction characterized by strings and gothic choirs, which recur throughout the very pompous song, yet overall a well-done song that urges one to always follow their dreams without ever giving up. The listening continues with one of the best tracks on the album, "Jillian (I'd Give My Heart)," the story of a woman searching for the meaning of life, understanding it only when hers comes to an end. The song begins with a gradual entry of dark and gothic sound effects, which then burst into a drum attack by Stephen Van Haestregt, followed by an exciting gothic choir riff. The song unfolds in a verse where Jeroen Van Veen's bass is very prominent and drumming, while the chorus picks up the initial choirs, but Sharon's voice dominates them. Then follows the third track, "Stand My Ground," the first single released by the Dutch band. Many voices claim it's a copy of Evanescence's Bring Me To Life, but I see very little similarity to Evanescence; the instrumental arrangement, predominantly strings, is entirely different. At most, the similarity in the video clip may lie in the similar building backdrop, but certainly not in the song, which is rather heavy-sounding, with a wonderful interplay between electric guitars, violins, and vocals. The chorus, an invitation to never give up even in the toughest situations, immediately sticks in your head. With the fourth track, "Pale," the green Irish hills are evoked, a melancholic yet somewhat optimistic song, with an excellent musical structure, very moving. Then follows "Forsaken," for a burst of pure pessimism, characterized by choral support and a very dark atmosphere. The third single from the album is "Angels," track number 6, a story of broken love, mostly based on strings, which start the song, over which the voice sings, initiating the drums with the first chorus. "Memories," the seventh track and second single, is a moving anthem to memories, characterized by a cello and piano capable of eliciting strong emotions in the listener. With "Aquarius," the critical point of the album is reached: many positive opinions judge it the peak of the album, but equally many negative opinions consider it the disgrace. An anthem to love compared to the sea, heavy electric guitar riffs, and strings characterize the entire song, in my opinion very artistic and atmospheric. "It's The Fear," the fears that block us in life, an introduction of keyboards followed by electric guitar, then verse and chorus, with a solo in the middle of the song, a pleasant interplay between the guitars of Robert Westerholt and Ruud Jolie. The album closes with the tenth and final track, "Somewhere," a sad ballad in search of lost love, choral introduction of Sharon Den Adel with Martijn Spierenburg's piano in the background. However, in the Premium version of the CD, two additional tracks can be found, "A Dangerous Mind," quite nice to listen to, and "The Swan Song," a medieval base centered on flutes and violins.
Overall, I would give the album a full 5, finding no "commercial" songs to appeal to the public nor any imitation of Evanescence at any point to entice listeners, an excellent, exciting, and varied album. While waiting for the new Within Temptation album, due out in the summer of 2006, I recommend it to listeners of any music group, although the gothic style characterizing the band never disappoints, as it manages to perfectly mix gritty and energetic moments with sweet and relaxing ones.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 See Who I Am (04:52)
Is it true what they say,
Are we too blind to find a way?
Fear of the unknown cloud our hearts today.
Come into my world,
See through my eyes.
Try to understand,
Don't want to lose what we have
We've been dreaming
But who can deny,
It's the best way of living
Between the truth and the lies
See who I am,
Break through the surface.
Reach for my hand,
Let's show them that we can
Free our minds and find a way.
The world is in our hands,
This is not the end.
Fear is withering the soul
At the point of no return.
We must be the change
We wish to see.
I'll come into your world,
See through your eyes.
I'll try to understand,
Before we lose what we have.
We just can't stop believing
cause we have to try.
We can rise above
Their truth and their lies.
See who I am,
Break through the surface.
Reach for my hand,
Let's show them that we can
Free our minds and find a way.
The world is in our hands,
See who I am,
Break through the surface.
Reach for my hand,
Let's show them that we can
Free our minds and find a way.
The world is in our hands,
This is not the end.
I hear the silence
Preaching my blame.
Will our strength remain
If their power reigns?
See who I am,
Break through the surface.
Reach for my hand,
Let's show them that we can
Free our minds and
find a way.
The world is in our hands,
See who I am,
Break through the surface.
Reach for my hand,
Let's show them that we can
Free our minds and
find a way.
The world is in our hands,
This is not the end..
03 Jillian (I'd Give My Heart) (04:47)
I've been dreaming for so long,
To find a meaning to understand.
The secret of life,
Why am I here to try again?
Will I always, will you always
See the truth when it stares you in the face?
Will I ever, will I never free myself
By breaking these chains?
I'd give my heart, I'd give my soul
I'd turn it back, it's my fault.
Your destiny is forlorn,
Have to live till it's undone.
I'd give my heart, I'd give my soul
I'd turn it back and then at last I'll be on my way.
I've been living for so long,
Many seasons have passed me by.
I've seen kingdoms through the ages
Rise and fall, I've seen it all.
I've seen the horror, I've seen the wonders
Happening just in front of my eyes.
Will I ever, will I never free myself by making it right?
I'd give my heart, I'd give my soul
I'd turn it back, it's my fault.
Your destiny is forlorn,
Have to live till it's undone.
I'd give my heart, I'd give my soul
I'd turn it back and then at last I'll be on my way.
Jillian our dream ended long ago.
All our stories and all our glory I held so dear.
We won't be together
For ever and ever, no more tears.
I'll always be here until the end.
Jillian, no more tears...
Jillian, no more tears...
I'd give my heart, I'd give my soul
I'd turn it back, it's my fault.
Your destiny is forlorn,
Have to live till it's undone.
I'd give my heart, I'd give my soul
I'd turn it back and then at last I'll be on my way.
04 Stand My Ground (04:28)
I can see
When you stay low
Nothing happens
Does it feel right?
Late at night
Things I thought I'd put behind me
Haunt my mind
I just know there's no escape now
Once it sets it's eyes on you
But I wont run
Have to stare it in the eyes
Stand my ground
I won't give in
No more denying
I've gotta face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground
It's all around
Getting stronger, coming closer into my world
I can feel that it's time for me to face it
Can I take it?
Though this might just be the ending
Of the life I held so dear
But I won't run
There's no turning back from here
Stand my ground
I won't give in
No more denying
I've gotta face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground
All I know for sure is that I'm trying
I will always stand my ground
Stand my ground
I won't give in, (I won't give in)
I won't give up, (I won't give up)
No more denying (Ahh-hhhh)
I've gotta face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground
I won't give in
No more denying
I've gotta face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will
Stand my ground
05 Pale (04:28)
The world seems not the same,
Though I know nothing has changed.
It's all my state of mind,
I can't leave it all behind.
I have to stand up to be stronger.
I have to try to break free
From the thoughts in my mind.
Use the time that I have,
I can't say goodbye,
Have to make it right.
Have to fight, cause I know
In the end it's worthwhile,
That the pain that I feel slowly fades away.
It will be alright.
I know, should realise
Time is precious, it is worthwhile.
Despite how I feel inside,
Have to trust it will be all right.
Have to stand up to be stronger.
I have to try to break free
From the thoughts in my mind.
Use the time that I have,
I can't say goodbye,
Have to make it right.
Have to fight, cause I know
In the end it's worthwhile,
That the pain that I feel slowly fades away.
It will be alright.
Oh, this night is too long.
I have no strength to go on.
No more pain, I'm floating away.
Through the mist I see the face
Of an angel, who calls my name.
I remember you're the reason I have to stay.
I have to try to break free
From the thoughts in my mind.
Use the time that I have,
I can't say goodbye,
Have to make it right.
Have to fight, cause I know
In the end it's worthwhile,
That the pain that I feel slowly fades away.
It will be alright.
06 Forsaken (04:54)
Now the day has come.
We are forsaken this time.
We lived our lives in our paradise,
As gods we shaped the world around.
No borderlines we'd stay behind,
Though balance is something fragile.
While we thought we were gaining,
We'd turn back the tide, it still slips away.
Our time has run out, our future has died,
There's no more escape.
Now the day has come,
We are forsaken,
There's no time anymore.
Life will pass us by,
We are forsaken,
We're the last of our kind.
The sacrifice was much too high,
Our greed just made us all go blind.
We tried to hide what we feared inside.
Today is the end of tomorrow.
As the sea started rising,
The land that we conquered just washed away.
Although we all have tried to turn back the tide,
It was all in vain.
Now the day has come,
We are forsaken,
There's no time anymore.
Life will pass us by,
We are forsaken,
Only ruins stay behind.
Now the day has come.
We are forsaken this time.
Now the day has come,
We are forsaken,
There's no time anymore.
Now the day has come.
The day has come.
The day has come.
07 Angels (04:00)
Sparkling angel, I believed
You were my saviour in my time of need.
Blinded by faith, I couldn't hear
All the whispers, the warnings so clear.
I see the angels, I'll lead them to your door.
There's no escape now, no mercy no more.
No remorse 'cause I still remember
The smile when you tore me apart.
You took my heart,
Deceived me right from the start.
You showed me dreams,
I wished they'd turn into real.
You broke a promise and made me realise
It was all just a lie.
Sparkling angel, I couldn't see
Your dark intentions, your feelings for me.
Fallen angel, tell me why,
What is the reason, the thorn in your eye?
I see the angels,
I'll lead them to your door
There's no escape now
No mercy no more
No remorse cause I still remember
The smile when you tore me apart
You took my heart,
Deceived me right from the start.
You showed me dreams,
I wished they turn into real.
You broke the promise and made me realise.
It was all just a lie.
Could have been forever.
Now we have reached the end.
This world may have failed you,
It doesn't give you a reason why--
You could have chosen a different path in life.
The smile when you tore me apart.
You took my heart,
Deceived me right from the start.
You showed me dreams,
I wished they turn into real.
You broke the promise and made me realise.
It was all just a lie.
Could have been forever.
Now we have reached the end.
08 Memories (03:51)
In this world you tried
Not leaving me alone behind
There's no other way
I prayed to the gods let him stay
The memories ease the pain inside,
Now I know why
All of my memories keep you near.
In silent moments,
Imagine you'd be here.
All of my memories keep you near,
Your silent whispers, silent tears
Made me promise I'd try
To find my way back in this life.
I hope there is a way
To give me a sign you're okay.
Reminds me again it's worth it all
So I can go home.
All of my memories keep you near.
In silent moments,
Imagine you'd be here.
All of my memories keep you near,
Your silent whispers, silent tears.
Together in all these memories
I see your smile.
All the memories I hold dear.
Darling, you know I'll love you
till the end of time.
All of my memories keep you near.
In silent moments,
Imagine you'd be here.
All of my memories keep you near,
Your silent whispers, silent tears.
All of my memories...
09 Aquarius (04:47)
I hear your whispers
Break the silence and it calms me down.
Your taste on my lips,
Your salty kisses.
They say I'm seeking out the danger.
That one day you won't let me go,
I'll drown, you'll take me down.
I need you Aquarius,
Enchanted I will have to stay.
I feel you Aquarius,
Cause you the sea set me free.
You call to me Aquarius.
You call to me, you set me free.
I relinquish to your powers.
From your grasp, I just can't hide.
I missed the danger I had to conquer.
You made me feel alive.
They say I have to be aware,
That one day you won't let me go,
I'll drown, you'll take me down.
I need you Aquarius,
Enchanted I will have to stay.
I feel you Aquarius,
Cause you the sea set me free.
You call to me Aquarius.
I long for you Aquarius.
I need to be with you again.
I fear you, Aquarius
My desinty until the end of time.
I need you Aquarius,
Enchanted I will have to stay.
I feel you Aquarius,
Cause you the sea set me free.
You call to me Aquarius.
10 It's the Fear (04:07)
It waits for the day I will let it out
to give it a reason, to give it its might
I fear who I am becoming,
I feel that I am losing the struggle within
I can no longer restrain it,
My strength it is fading
I have to give in
It's the fear,
The fear of the dark
is growing inside of me
That one day will come to life
Have to save, to save my beloved,
There is no escape
Because my fate is horror and doom
Hold down your head now,
Just let me pass by
Don't feed my fear,
If you don't want it out
I fear who I am becoming,
I feel that I'm losing all beauty within
I can no longer restrain it,
My strength, it is fading
I have to give in
It's the fear,
The fear of the dark
is growing inside of me
That one day will come to life
Have to save, to save my beloved,
There is no escape
Because my fate is horror and doom
Long ago it came to me
I'm, ever since that day,
Infected with its rage
But it ends today
It's the fear,
The fear of the dark
is growing inside of me
That one day will come to life
Have to save, to save my beloved,
There is no escape
Because my fate is horror and doom
11 Somewhere (04:14)
Lost in the darkness, hoping for a sign
Instead there is only silence,
Can't you hear my screams...?
Never stop hoping,
Need to know where you are
But one thing is for sure,
You're always in my heart.
I'll find you somewhere
I'll keep on trying until my dying day
I just need to know whatever has happened,
The Truth will free my soul.
Lost in the darkness, try to find your way home
I want to embrace you and never let you go
Almost hope you're in heaven so no one can hurt your soul...
Living in agony 'cause I just do not know
Where you are
I'll find you somewhere
I'll keep on trying until my dying day
I just need to know whatever has happened,
The Truth will free my soul.
Wherever you are, I won't stop searching.
Whatever it takes, I need to know.
I'll find you somewhere
I'll keep on trying until my dying day
I just need to know whatever has happened,
The Truth will free my soul.
12 A Dangerous Mind (04:17)
I'm searching for answer
Cause something is not right
I follow the signs
I'm close to the fire
I fear that soon you'll reveal
Your dangerous mind
Chorus:
It's in your eyes, what's on your mind
I fear your smile and the promise inside
It's in your eyes, what's on your mind
I fear your presence, I'm frozen inside
I'm searching for answers
Not questioned before
The curse of awareness
There's no peace of mind
As your true colours show
A dangerous sign
Chorus2:
It's in your eyes, what's on your mind
I see the truth that you've buried inside
It's in your eyes, what's on your mind
There's no mercy, just anger I find
I just have to know, while I still have time
Do I have to run, or hide away from you?
Chorus2
13 The Swan Song (04:01)
Winter has come for me, can't carry on.
The chains to my life are strong but soon they'll be gone.
I'll spread my wings one more time.
Is it a dream?
All the ones I have loved calling out my name.
The sun warms my face.
All the days of my life, I see them passing me by.
In my heart I know I can let go.
In the end I will find some peace inside.
New wings are growing tonight.
Is it a dream?
All the ones I have loved calling out my name.
The sun warms my face.
All the days of my life, I see them passing me by.
As I am soaring I'm one with the wind.
I am longing to see you again, it's been so long.
We will be together again.
Is it a dream?
All the ones I have loved calling out my name.
The sun warms my face.
All the days of my life, I see them passing me by.
14 Overcome (04:07)
Where are the heroes in my time of need?
Is my cry not loud enough, or have they gone all numb?
They just tend to stand out of the rain,
Thinking but not acting that they're not to blame.
Falling and crawling,
A fight to stand up;
Memory still haunts me
In the dead of night.
Over and over
I felt so small.
But one day I'll be stronger,
And you'd better watch out.
I will overcome
Your violence, their silence
Although it can't be undone.
I will overcome,
Knowing that I'm not the only one.
I will overcome;
It's the only way to carry on.
Where are the saviours, afraid of the toll?
Sorry, do my nine inch nails slash your soul?
Such heroes, throwing stones
Straight at the one who is standing alone.
Twisting and turning,
It's always the same:
Truth is never honest
When you're to blame
Pushing and pulling,
I never give in;
But one day I wish you'll see
You're not so beautiful within.
I will overcome
Your violence your silence
Although,
It can't be undone
I will overcome
Knowing that I'm not the only one
I will overcome
It's the only way to carry on
Run and run
Run and run
I will overcome
Their violence your silence
Although,
It can't be undone
I will overcome
Knowing that I'm not the only one
I will overcome
It's the only way to carry on
I will overcome
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Other reviews
By sly
"The Silent Force fails to take off: leaving behind the fairytale atmospheres of the second platter, the sextet offers us music that is decidedly unvaried, uninspired, cold, and boring."
"If this result had been achieved by a band on their first album, it would have been a decent outcome, but we are talking about Within Temptation, a band that has previously shown class and talent. Failed!"
