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Within Temptation Biography
Review The Artist (23)
Source: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/artists/WithinTemptation/bio.aspx, http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/artists/WithinTemptation/bio.aspx
With the rise of gothic metal, dozens of bands have combined crunchy power chord volleys with ethereal vocals and orchestral arrangements, but none have done so as convincingly or with such a keen grasp for symphonic arrangements as Holland's Within Temptation.
Within Temptation formed in Holland in 1996 around the nucleus of singer Sharon den Adel and guitarist / song writer Robert Westerholt.
The band's debut album, 'Enter', enchanted the metal press with its fantastic mix of melody, orchestral elements and epic song-writing suss. A year later the band were invited to play a side stage at the Dynamo Festival - it was only their fifth performance overall - but they proved to be such a hit with the assembled throng that they were invited back the following year to open the main stage! The band toured relentlessly for the next two years, almost without a break.
Then, in 1999 they decided to take a year off to work on the now legendary follow-up album, 'Mother Earth', for new label GUN (Sony BMG). Without a shadow of a doubt, 2003 belonged to Within Temptation. Their sophomore album 'Mother Earth' - a wired amalgam of orchestral theatre and anthemic, metallic riffs - conquered the hearts and souls of the rock community Europe-wide. The singles 'Ice Queen' and 'Mother Earth' both went top 20 in Germany and top 3 in Holland, while the accompanying videos, along with an inspired cover of the Kate Bush classic 'Running Up That Hill', dominated TV screens right across the continent. This album went gold and platinum in Germany, Holland, and Belgium.
The Dutch-based sextet did it all again in 2005 with a new deal with Roadrunner Records and a new album - 'The Silent Force'. Caught between the roughshod guitar board, an 80 piece orchestra, a choir (recorded in Moscow) 'The Silent Force' saw Within Temptation sounding even more powerful, more epic and more sensual than ever before - whether that be the subtle electro edge of lead single 'Stand My Ground', the beautifully arranged 'Memories' or the sheer striking force of Sharon's ethereal vocals on 'Angels'.
'The Silent Force' debuted at Number One in the Dutch album charts and at Number Five in the German album charts. It also went Top Ten in Finland, Spain and Belgium, Top Twenty in Austria and Switzerland and Top Thirty in Greece, Sweden and Norway. A myriad of Gold certifications followed.
In early 2005, with over 400,000 copies of 'The Silent Force' already sold in Europe, Within Temptation was twice awarded the Conamus Music Export prize. They were also privileged to accept the Edison Award for Best National Band (the Dutch equivalent of the US Grammy Awards & the UK Brit Awards) as well as a TMF Award from MTV Benelux for Best Local Rock Band.
They were later signed to Roadrunner Records and in 2007 released the epic "The Heart Of Everything" which brought the band's majestic, emotion-swept music to new heights."We pushed ourselves to make these songs the best that we could," says Westerholt of the new record.
"We wanted to have a more organic feeling and more energy than ever....It still has a big feeling and there's still plenty of classical parts, but I think we did it without losing the power of the band."
With "The Heart of Everything", Within Temptation has never sounded more powerful or alive. The first single "What Have You Done," featuring Keith Caputo of Life of Agony, which see-saws between caustic guitar crunch and gothy, gauzy textures, is the perfect marriage of melodic rock and metal. The equally powerful track "The Howling" showcases Den Adel's trademark haunting vocals and soaring melodies, while the glacial "Frozen," features heartrending vocals and staccato string bursts and "The Cross" which starts like an intro to a film score, segues into a winding, dramatic number that's equal parts Richard Wagner, The Gathering and Kate Bush.
While Within Temptation was more selective about their compositions and less effusive with their classical elements, they experimented as much as ever, adding mandolin to "The Cross," cello to four tracks and working with the Prague Orchestra instead of individual players or synthetic strings.
The band chose the album title The Heart of Everything because the songs address feelings and ideas that exist under the surface and can't be excavated without introspection.
"So often, we live our lives without thinking," Westerholt explains. "We just do things because we're born in a certain environment and people are expecting certain things from you. Sometimes its important to look within yourself and discover what really makes you happy and what's important to you."
In their search for self-discovery, Within Temptation address a variety of subjects, including the futility of war ("Our Solemn Hour"), the strength of unconditional love ("Forgiven") and personal hardships faced by certain bandmembers ("The Cross"). Books inspired some tracks, like "Hand of Sorrow." Others were based on films.
"We wrote ‘The Heart of Everything' after watching ‘Braveheart,' says Westerholt. "And ‘The Truth Beneath the Rose' is based on ‘The Da Vinci Code' and is about the idea that belief is sometimes used to justify sins. On the other hand, it may be more important with belief that it's your own belief and you can stand behind it instead of following the belief other people may want to put upon you.
The Heart of Everything recaptured everything Within Temptation has thrived upon while taking their music to newer, more thrilling places. And in the process, through all the melancholy atmospheres, cinematic riffs and angelic vocals, the band delivers its most pragmatic and proactive message to date. "If you want to make something out of your life, it's in your own hands," Westerholt says. "Life can sometimes be pretty rough and not very easy, but still you have a lot of power within yourself and there's always the possibility to bend things your own way."
Thanks to Molly for submitting the biography. |
Would you please submit the latest Within Temptation biography to me? Thank You.
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Review about Within Temptation
This band is one of the best ever | Reviewer: Argentum | 1/17/2008Not only do they have lyrics that have meanings unlike what is in the radio nowadays, they have managed to keep themselves in the radar for over a decade. And Sharon den Adel has the most amazing voice I have ever heard. I swear, every time she sings a song, even if its the same one, she always makes it different and just as enjoyable to listen to. No band as of yet, none at all (at least in my personal opinion) has yet to reach the level that they have. They speak of how the human race truly is, our flaws and desires, and no matter how many times you listen to them, you never get tired of them.
the unite band | Reviewer: Mahmood | 12/5/2007
I watched the video of "stand my ground" about 2 years ago and some mounth ago I bought the new album (heart of everything) but didn't listin to it ... until 2 weeks ago ... I really wondered by listining to an album that every songs were amazing... that is one of the rare albums that you wont be bored by hearing everysongs...I love Sharon's wonderful voice ...I don't want compare but I like them more than Nightwish or Evancense
AWESOME.... | Reviewer: Alan | 12/5/2007
check it out... sharon's voice really fantastics..
their sound / music it's really unique.. Bravo to
Within Temptation !!!
Have to say they arnt what i expected | Reviewer: Twilight | 11/16/2007
I was amazed by this band. I saw there CD at walmart in the rock section under "upcomeing artists" I had never heard of them befor so i decided i would check them out on the way home i poped in the CD and the first song that came on was "the howling" i was amazed the song had wonderful lyrics breatakeing vocals and a wonderful band to back it up. I can tell that this band is very talented
What is there to say... | Reviewer: 'Tress | 10/12/2007
...that has not yet been said by other fans?
Within Temptation is really one amazing band, their songs speak the truth about our race but at the same time they would never really bore you. The tunes might sound a bit the same some times, but that doesn't matter, because the meaning behind the lyrics is all that does.
Many of their songs are breath-taking, and the band just keeps on rocking. Their songs are what I like to call "real music" because well...there's meaning, it's not all about frills and love and they make sense.
Within Temptation is truly one of the greatest bands ever formed.
And besides, who wouldn't love Sharon den Adel's voice?
It's the fear | Reviewer: Aleah | 10/9/2007
what should i said huh= =?
best band ever, when i first watch their Music Video on Youtube...
but the heck is, after i reformat my pc i can only watch the video but hear nothing= =
what the hell is going on...
and where can i find their CD in Malaysia or Singapore? They seems didn't release ther album in Asia or something...
This Band is one of my favourite | Reviewer: Dark~Side | 9/22/2007
i found this band in a really funny way ... i first searched wikipedia for "Sharon" <--- my gf's name
cuz i was bored and missed her alot and then it showed me
"Sharon Den Adel - Lead Singer of the Gothic Metal Band Within Temptation" so i clicked on it and downloaded some tracks the first song i herd is "Mother Earth" and it toke my breath away when she screams in high pitch "Sheeeee Rulleeessss!!"
after that it became one of my all time favourite band and sharon den adel remind me of my EX-Gf alot =[
WT simple the best? beat them? | Reviewer: Teddy | 9/19/2007
I love WT so much, i listen to them all the time, and i love the gothic chrismas, what have you done, forgiven, there is a diffrent style, and i seriusly like it, but if they do more number there our of the Gothic Metal style, it would't be the real WT, i love them, just the way they are..
Now playing : Within temptation - Intro.
Best band ever | Reviewer: Mo'weed | 8/28/2007
I love Within , they are my favoite band for so many years. Sharon's voice is extraordinary !!! My favorite song is In Powe , the last part of this song it makes me feel like flying :)
Within Temptation | Reviewer: Rowdy | 8/19/2007
I only like the ballads of Within Temptation.
They have different beautiful ballads and I love it
Favorite Ballads:
Our Farewell, Overcome, Pale, Memories, Say My Name, Somewhere, The Swan Song, Frozen, All I Need and Forgiven
Go WT IS THE BEST
Review By Pages: 1 2 3
Review the Artist Within Temptation
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