Synthesis [CD]

Let me preface this by saying two things: 1) I am a huge and long-time fan of both Amy Lee and Evanescence. 2) I am all for a change in style as musicians evolve and their life experiences shape their music. All of that aside, I very much disliked this album. My first issue was that almost nothing on this album was new. While these songs have been “reimagined” and I know that took time, I do not feel they were reimagined in any real meaningful way. I listen to classical; I listen to rock. I was a huge fan of Metallica performing alongside a live symphony. This is not that. My next issue is that I feel I saw this coming. While it was not my cup of tea, I supported Amy Lee doing solo projects which were a completely different style from Evanescence. I get the impression here that it didn’t go as well as she would have liked, so she tried to force that style on Evanescence in order to take advantage of a large/existing fan base. I feel there is a stark difference between changing the band’s style and then just forcing a solo project onto the band in order to win the numbers game. That’s just my two cents. I wish the band well, I’m happy for this album’s success and for those who enjoyed it. For those of a like mind as myself, I hope this review helps. I will likely abstain from future albums if this particular trend continues.

The band plays wonderful hard rock music that didn't have swear words, like some hard rock music (occasionally, including female singers of hard rock--remember Jagged Little Pill), and her vocals sound so lovely, and hard, and enjoyable. The background music from band sounds memorable, and the vocals sound like most female singers don't--hard, tough, but still very feminine in a truly wonderful and endlessly enjoyable way. I listen to discs by this band millions of times and (most of the time) I do not care if I hear other bands for months.

So, the orchestral arrangements of these songs is interesting to say the least. It felt a little different dropping the Paul McCoy rap from Bring Me To Life. I have no complaints on any of the tracks, they just take a bit of getting used to. I'd say the only disappointing thing on this album is the lack of new material...but that's not the point of it either.

I was always a big fan of Evanescence and always felt they should have put of more CDS. I never expected to see this CD. It's a mixture of old and new done with a full orchestra. The old ones sound great reimagined with the orchestra and the new ones are great as well especially Hi Lo which features violinist Mindy Sterling

I truly enjoy this album. It is a departure from their previous albums but that doesn't make it bad. It is interesting to hear some of their other material in a different format but I can't say I don't love Amy's voice. I hope they come out with more new material and they can mix this style with their original style.

If you are a fan then go get this right away. Some of their best hits are redone here with symphonic and electronic elements added in. Also there are a couple new songs that are pretty good as well. Dont know that this will bring new fans to the fold but Evanescence fans rejoice! Next best thing to a new album....

Let me first start off by saying I am a huge Evanescence fan and I studied music through out all of my schooling. This album is a catalog of some of their greatest hits along with 2 new songs. Amy and the band are stunning on this album, I only wish it was longer!

If you have a taste for orchestral rock, this would be your cup of tea. If you don't like orchestral music in your rock then stay away. I liked the mix of the two, though at times it felt like the vocals were minimized in favor of the strings.