Track Listing

1. Sweet Sacrifice
2. Call Me When You're Sober
3. Weight Of The World
4. Lithium
5. Cloud Nine
6. Snow White Queen
7. Lacrymosa
8. Like You
9. Lose Control
10. Only One
11. Your Star
12. All That I'm Living For
13. Good Enough

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1532 in Music
• Released on: 2006-10-02
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
The second album from Evanescence, The Open Door sees this Arkansas, Little Rock quintet build on the metal melodrama and ambitious, Wagnerian operatics that saw former single "Bring Me To Life" top the UK chart for five weeks. The departure of co-founder Ben Moody, who reportedly left the band in 2003 to tackle an alcohol problem, means The Open Door is very much the work of singer/pianist Amy Lee. Fusing gothic, supernatural imagery with affairs of the heart, songs like "Lithium" and "Call Me When You're Sober" - a break-up number that makes like a Halloween Alanis Morisette, all girl-done-wrong sentiments ("Don't cry to me/If you loved me you would be here with me") and dramatic metal chug – sound every bit as huge as the stand-outs on their predecessor. As on Fallen, their 2003 debut, Evanescence pull the neat trick of blending rock heaviness with chart-friendly anthemicism (little wonder the band claim the mighty Meatloaf as an early inspiration). But some interesting moments come when Evanescence ease off on the metal histrionics, however - "Lacrymosa" delves a little deeper into classical composition, a trip-hop paced number featuring the strains of a string orchestra and the sombre chorus of an opera line. --Louis Pattison

CD Description
Sophomore album from gothic pop-metal band, the eagerly-awaited follow-up to their multi-million selling 2003 debut 'Fallen'. The band's future was in doubt after founder and chief songwriter Ben Moody quit the band halfway through their first major world tour but, bolstered by ex-Cold guitarist Terry Balsamo, frontwoman Amy Lee has proved herself a worthy replacement. This album is easily the equal of their debut, more consistent throughout, if perhaps lacking any real standout tracks. Includes the singles 'Call Me When You're Sober' and 'Lithium'.

From the Label
The Open Door is defined by Amy Lee's beautiful melodies, compelling lyrics, poignant piano and stunning vocals, fused with Terry Balsamo's urgent, yet intricate guitar, to form a seamless, ethereal mixture that perfectly channels the band's hard rock and classical sensibilities. Marking the return of long-time friend and producer Dave Fortman, the album's musical elements include a classically-infused choir and strings recorded in an old chapel on several tracks, giving further color to songs of introspection, longing, doubt, self-respect and, ultimately, empowerment.

Customer Reviews

Maintaining that connection! Amy Lee's passion is still present after such turmoil!
After the massive success of Fallen and selling nearly 15 million albums world wide the long awaited return of evanescence hit the scenes on october the 3rd.

After huge restructuring of the band the new album could of changed dramatically in either direction however it changed for the better the new drummer and guitarist are a fantastic addition to Amy Lee's vocals and piano.

The tracks follow the same path as fallen they speak of deep felt feelings of hate, love, pain and passion towards old loves, ex bandmates and troubled pasts. Through this the Open door album retains that passion for the audience that the fallen album created.

Hard hitting drums, and resonating vocals coupled with the occasional classical orchestra and rifts from guitarist John Lecompt give the open door album its new edge that shoots evanescence into the future and gives new meaning to rock!

Its standout tracks, give this album such meaning and devotion from fans and deserves to surpass its predecessor in all award ceremonies.

Fallen through The Open Door
Evanescence's second studio album `The Open Door' opens with the strong, hard hitting rock song 'Sweet Sacrifice' which signals the end of Fallen's theme of vulnerability and begins TOD's theme of empowerment. This crisp introduction proceeds into first single 'Call Me When Youre Sober' with its chugging riffs and blunt lyrics reflecting Amy Lee's new found strength. Contrasting these two epic rock efforts are the three ballads of the album. The tense, mournful 'Like You' explores Amy's longing desire to be with a lost loved one and gives a glimpse of weakness which is also apparent in the melodic, self-doubt filled 'Lithium'. This uncertainty is ultimately eclipsed by happiness though in last track 'Good Enough' which captivates via its potent combination of piano graced with Lee's stunning vocals. The album's beautiful centerpiece 'Lacrymosa' is a magnificent metal adaptation of a part of Mozart's Requiem. Amy Lee's delicate voice entwined with a string orchestra results in the best song of the album and possibly of Evanescence to date. The pulsating eastern motif filled rock track 'Weight of the World' delivers a fresh sound by the band whilst the resonating 'Your Star' depicts loneliness with its slow, solemn intro and intricate guitar playing. The two heaviest tracks on TOD are the chilling 'Cloud Nine' with its sci fi studio effects and the spiritual 'The Only One' which has a thumping backdrop and inspiring lyrics. 'Snow White Queen' is an enchantingly gothic song which delves into both a victim and stalkers mind. This track is brilliantly disorganized and reminds me of Haunted with its pure darkness. This darkness becomes even more sinister in 'Lose Control' which has wonderful guitar riffs and delightful metaphors. Lee's severely distorted vocals result in this being the most unique track of the album. Finally we have John LeCompts contribution in 'All That Im Living For', a pleasing but predictable song which lacks the albums endearing quality of adventure and experimentation.

Overall a brave and beautiful sophomore effort by Evanescence which gives you an insight into Amy Lee's world. B+

Beyond comprehension
For about an hour i have been trying to write a review. I have revised and restarted so many times that i have lost count. It is so hard to compare this album to fallen. This is because Fallen sold MILLIONS of albums and to say that it was very successful would be an understatement. However The Open Door offers so much more than Fallen. With The Open Door you can really feel every emotion in the different songs. There are aggressive rock-out songs like "Sweet Sacrifice" and "Lithium" that really hit the spot when you're in the mood for a badass heavy song. There are gentle, calming, soothing and most of all happy songs such as "Good Enough" and to me; the main emotion missing from Fallen was happiness. There are almost indescribable songs such as "Cloud Nine" and "Snow White Queen" that really pack a punch yet are so unique that you may have to listen to them again to discover how much you really like the songs whereas you probably immediately adore the others. Songs like "The Only One" and "Lose Control" are the most different and probably the catchiest songs of the album once you've sang along with the lyrics. Coming to the end of the album is "Lacrymosa" that combines beyond amazing vocals with great guitar playing and stunning classical symphony. What's left if your still begging for more is "Like you" which is a sad and brilliant melody and probably my all time favourite song; "Your Star". I don't quite know how to describe "Your Star". It starts melodically and peacefully with vocals that top all other songs, and then it gets going with the introduction of the guitars and drums, and changes to a completely outstanding track that deserves to be listened to again and again, with an utterly immense ending. To conclude, now that I have the open door, I will be sticking to it when I want my dose of Evanescence. The open door simply has much more to offer to me than what fallen does and The Open Door is most definitely my favourite album. I'm not asking you to think that too, but if you agree that this album is incredible and if you prefer the change from Fallen then please answer yes to "Was this review helpful?" Thank you for reading.