Within Temptation - The Unforgiving
CD Info
2011
Gun / Roadrunner Records
12 Tracks
English Lyrics
Well, I have to admit something to all of you. When I reviewed Within Temptation’s previous release, An Acoustic Night at the Theatre , I tried to reassure fans about the band’s future releases by saying that Within Temptation "will return to the bombastic metal road it’s been traveling for years and prove all the naysayers wrong." Well, the band’s new album, The Unforgiving, is finally out, and that statement I had made in 2009 is (*gulp*) not totally correct. The Netherlands’ most beloved symphonic metal outfit has changed direction and released their most commercial album to date. Still, Within Temptation has managed to crush all cynicism – because The Unforgiving is more compelling than anyone ever expected it to be.
For starters, The Unforgiving is Within Temptation’s first concept album – and it’s no ordinary concept album. The band collaborated with screenwriter / comic book writer Steven O'Connell (Bloodrayne, Dark 48) to create a story about a woman who is resurrected to combat evil after making poor decisions in her own life. The concept behind The Unforgiving has since mushroomed into a semi-franchise that includes a comic book series of the same name – which explains the album’s cartoonish artwork.
Fortunately, the appalling cover doesn’t reflect the quality of the music. The Unforgiving contains some of the strongest songs Within Temptation has ever written. This album also finds Within Temptation embracing ‘80s pop and rock as well as the band’s earliest influences, namely Iron Maiden and Metallica. Consequently, The Unforgiving isn’t the "Lord of the Rings" film score a la metal we’re used to hearing from the band. Sharon den Adel’s operatic soprano is noticeably absent, and the orchestras and choirs take a backseat to the guitars and Martijn Spierenburg’s keyboards. Yet, whether the track is a retro symph-rock anthem or a borderline power metal epic, the musical soul is the same one the band has been honing since 2004’s The Silent Force. The irresistible melodies, grandiose arrangements, and ghostly ambiance that are part of Within Temptation’s signature style are still there.
Variety is perhaps the greatest strength of The Unforgiving. This album has a healthy mix of ballads and uptempo numbers – and Within Temptation hasn’t done many uptempo tracks in the past. That’s why it’s a treat to hear songs like the disco-rocker "Sinéad" and the speed demon "In The Middle Of The Night." However, the first single "Faster" outshines them all. Its beat is so contagious, you’ll find yourself dancing along. Add the string and synth hooks and den Adel’s soaring refrain on top of that, and your heart will overflow with rapture.
Speaking of den Adel, her vocals on The Unforgiving are spectacular. She maintains the power and versatility she had shown on 2007’s The Heart of Everything while achieving even more conviction. Her voice captures the emotion of each song: a sinister sneer on "Murder," lonesome crooning on "Lost," and high and urgent on "In The Middle Of The Night." It’s as though den Adel dives into each character’s skin and brings their story to life. Who knows why The Unforgiving has set her songbird spirit free, but it’s aesthetically the most satisfying part of this record.
Not all of the new songs are departures from the Within Temptation of old. For example, "Where Is The Edge" has that familiar mid-tempo mystique we’ve heard in some of the band’s past singles. "A Demon’s Fate," with its spirited strings, is akin to any thrill ride Within Temptation has made before. The ballads "Fire And Ice" and "Lost" also mesh well with the older material while introducing new elements. "Lost" in particular sparkles because of its twin solos: Ruud Jolie’s delicate plucking on acoustic guitar, and the cry of Robert Westerholt’s electric guitar.
So is The Unforgiving the best album that Within Temptation’s ever made? Even I can’t answer that question yet. It’s almost too soon for me to put this new album on the same pedestal as The Silent Force and The Heart of Everything, both of which are sentimental favorites of mine. Here’s the perspective I’ll take for now: On one hand, Within Temptation has finally ironed out the kinks from their last two studio albums. The Unforgiving steers clear of the excessive bombast and lyrical repetition of The Silent Force and the sleepy mid-tempo/ballad pace that slowed down The Heart of Everything. On the other hand, it’s not a flawless record. "Shot in the Dark" is fun but lacks the punch that other kick-off tracks from Within Temptation albums have had. And yes, I agree that the band’s new direction is an adjustment. Enjoying The Unforgiving requires accepting the fact that Within Temptation’s music has evolved and might never be the same again. Some fans will embrace the new sound; others will reject it outright.
Regardless, no one should be surprised by what Within Temptation has done on The Unforgiving. The band has been gradually moving away from its gothic metal roots for a while. Listen to any Within Temptation release from 2004 on, and you’ll notice it, too. What matters more, though, is that the heart of Within Temptation’s music hasn’t changed. In fact, the core elements are thriving more than ever – and that’s worth celebrating. With The Unforgiving, Within Temptation proves that they still care about the quality of their music. Every song exudes passion and enthusiasm, and reveals how inspired Within Temptation was by O’Connell’s storyline. And simply listening to this album will lift your spirit. That’s ultimately why The Unforgiving is the feel-good female-fronted rock album of 2011, and why Within Temptation continues to be one of the most exciting bands of its kind.
9 / 10
Highly recommended for owners of Within Temptation’s previous albums, as well as fans of other female-fronted symphonic rock and metal bands
Best Songs: "Faster," "In the Middle of the Night," "A Demon’s Fate," "Where Is The Edge"
