Evanescence - Biography and discography, all albums and songs

Evanescence is a cult American rock band formed in 1995 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The group is renowned for its unique sound that blends elements of alternative rock, gothic rock, symphonic metal, and nu metal. They achieved global fame thanks to the expressive vocals of Amy Lee, their dark aesthetic, and the emotional depth of their lyrics.

Formation and Early Years

The band was founded by Amy Lee (vocals, piano) and Ben Moody (guitar) in 1995. The two met at a youth camp when Moody heard Amy perform Meat Loaf’s “I'd Do Anything for Love.” Bonded by shared musical tastes, they soon began creating music together.

Early demo recordings such as Solitude, Give Unto Me, and Understanding gained local popularity, while their mini-album Origin (2000) became an important stepping stone before signing with Wind-up Records.

Breakthrough: Fallen (2003)

Worldwide success came in 2003 with the release of their debut album Fallen. The record earned the band two Grammy Awards — for “Best New Artist” and “Best Hard Rock Performance” (Bring Me to Life) — and sold over 17 million copies globally.

Main hits from the album:

• Bring Me to Life — featured in the movie Daredevil (2003), it catapulted the band to international stardom.
• My Immortal — a haunting piano ballad now considered a classic of rock lyricism.
• Going Under and Everybody’s Fool — powerful singles that cemented Evanescence’s success.

Fallen became one of the most successful debut albums of the 2000s, turning the group into a symbol of the new wave of gothic and symphonic metal.

Lineup Changes and The Open Door (2006)

In 2003, Ben Moody left the band due to creative differences. Amy Lee took over leadership and preserved the band’s signature sound. In 2006, they released their second studio album, The Open Door, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

Key tracks include:

• Call Me When You’re Sober — an autobiographical song written after Amy’s breakup with Seether’s vocalist, Shaun Morgan.
• Lithium and Sweet Sacrifice — showcasing maturity and emotional intensity.

Hiatus and Return: Evanescence (2011)

After a global tour and a brief hiatus, the band returned in 2011 with the self-titled album Evanescence. It topped charts once again and featured hits such as What You Want, My Heart Is Broken, and Lost in Paradise. The sound evolved towards a more rock-oriented approach, emphasizing live instrumentation and Amy’s powerful vocals.

Symphonic Reinvention: Synthesis (2017)

In 2017, Evanescence released the experimental album Synthesis, which reimagined their classic songs with orchestral and electronic arrangements. The release was accompanied by a world tour featuring a live symphony orchestra.

Highlights include Lacrymosa, My Immortal (Symphonic Version), and the new track Imperfection, dedicated to the theme of mental health and overcoming depression.

Modern Era: The Bitter Truth (2021)

In March 2021, the band released The Bitter Truth, their first album of all-new material in a decade. It explores themes of loss, hope, and resilience amid global turmoil. Tracks like Wasted on You, Use My Voice, and The Game Is Over were acclaimed by critics and fans alike.

Current Lineup (2024–2025)

• Amy Lee — vocals, piano (since 1995)
• Troy McLawhorn — guitar (since 2007)
• Will Hunt — drums (since 2007)
• Tim McCord — bass guitar (since 2006)
• Emma Anzai — bass, backing vocals (joined in 2022, replacing Tim McCord for live shows)

Interesting Facts

• Bring Me to Life won a Grammy Award in 2004.
• My Immortal was included in Blender’s list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
• Amy Lee is an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and actively participates in charitable music initiatives.

Legacy and Influence

Evanescence made a significant contribution to the development of gothic and symphonic metal, bridging the gap between mainstream and alternative music. Their influence can be heard in bands such as Within Temptation, Nightwish, and Lacuna Coil.

Combining symphonic arrangements, emotional lyrics, and Amy Lee’s powerful voice, Evanescence became a symbol of authenticity and inner strength. Nearly three decades later, the band remains relevant and continues to inspire listeners worldwide.