by Joe Mis
– Senior Columnist —
Riding the waves of popularity from the great success of their last studio album, Dutch symphonic metal masters Within Temptation and their label, Nuclear Blast, have just released Enter & The Dance. This is a win for any new fans of the band as it is a re-issue of two long out-of-print Within Temptation releases on a single CD – the band’s full-length debut Enter (1997) and the follow up EP The Dance (1998). The key thing to keep in mind is that this is a re-issue, not a re-master or re-mix – thus fans who already have the original releases are good to go.
Enter & The Dance is a fascinating look back at the root music of a genre defining band, and serves to highlight just how much their musical style has changed over the last 2 decades. In their early years, Within Temptation was much more of a Gothic/doom band – and featured more contributions from death metal style growlers. While not quite “beauty and the beast” singing, the growls uttered by Robert Westerholt (and guest George Oosthoek) were much more prominent, contrasting strongly with the always beautiful voice of main vocalist Sharon den Adel. Enter was also produced by a death metal guitarist / producer – Lex Vogelaar – giving it a very different, darker “sound.” The Dance EP featured 3 new tracks and remixes of 2 others – and shows more of a leaning towards the symphonic side of metal. The early albums were also darker lyrically, dealing with spirits, war, and darkness rather than the more upbeat topics (love, nature, life) of their more recent releases. Musically, there are longer and more frequent instrumental passages.
One thing that has not changed at all is the overall quality of musicianship. Within Temptation has always been a tight and talented group, and their abilities have been obvious from day one. Listening to vocalist Sharon den Adel is always a tremendously pleasant experience – her voice has not changed a bit over the band’s long career. The guitar teamwork of Robert Westerholt and Michiel Papenhove is top notch, and they play tightly with the rest of the band without dominating. The rhythms laid down by bassist Jeroen van Veen and drummer Ivar de Graaf are clockwork-perfect no matter the tempo, and the keyboard work of Martijn Westerholt is always appropriate (and essential) to the song. The band’s songwriting prowess is on full display as well, and all tracks are well-crafted and thoughtfully arranged.
Musical highlights include: the fine teamwork of singer Sharon den Adel and keyboard player Martijn Westerholt on “Restless;” the amazing mood set by the keyboards and choir vocals on “Pearls Of Light,” which contrasts with the in-your-face heavy guitar riffs and growled vocals of “Deep Within;” the symphonic instrumental “Blooded;” den Adel’s haunting vocals on “Another Day;” and the blistering pace and intensity of “The Other Half (of Me).”
Fans of Within Temptation who do not own the original pressings of Enter or The Dance should jump at the chance to pick up this re-issue. Enter & The Dance is a bit slower, moodier, and more ethereal than the band’s later works, so it may be a stretch for those who are used to the more symphonic, energetic, and upbeat Within Temptation. Fans of pure Gothic metal will definitely enjoy the older Within Temptation, and as always those who love strong female vocals will not be disappointed.
Genre: Gothic Metal, Symphonic Metal
Band:
Sharon den Adel (vocals)
Robert Westerholt (guitars, growls)
Michiel Papenhove (guitars)
Martijn Westerholt (keyboards)
Jeroen van Veen (bass)
Ivar de Graaf (drums)
Guest musicians: George Oosthoek (vocals on “Deep Within”), Lex Vogelaar (guitars on “Pearls of Light”), Guus Eikens – synthesizers
Track Listing:
1. Restless
2. Enter
3. Pearls Of Light
4. Deep Within
5. Gatekeeper
6. Grace
7. Blooded
8. Candles
9. The Dance
10. Another Day
11. The Other Half (Of Me)
12. Restless (Remix)
13. Candles & Pearls Of Light (Remix)
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Website: http://www.within-temptation.com/
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10
