CFNN Reporter Isabella Martinez

The 2000’s were the peak of alternative rock music, with albums and bands like Funeral by Arcade Fire, Acoustic Citsuoca by My Morning Jacket, as well as a second studio album from the band Evanescence titled Fallen.

Lead singer Amy Lee, Guitarist Ben Moody, Drummer Rocky Gray, and Pianist David Hodges, would work together to make an album that will forever be recognized as one of the best emo/alternative rock albums.

Hitting at The Top 10 Charts in the U.S, U.K, and Australia, Evanescence would make 3 more studio albums before splitting up. They would get back together in 2021 to make their 4th studio album, The Bitter Truth. The band is currently on tour around the globe, most recently performing a show in Italy.

Evanescence’s Fallen, in chronological order:

Going Under – Starting the song off with a heavy guitar, Amy Lee’s voice shows anger and resentment. She’s tired of this abusive relationship she’s in, and needs to find a way out. As the song progresses, she shows more of her independence and shares her story of how the boyfriend has been treating her. To me, this song is really passionate in how it shows the feelings of being in a toxic relationship with someone who just doesn’t care about you.

Bring Me to Life – One of my most favorites, the duo of Amy Lee and Paul McCoy’s voices are in perfect harmony. The iconic piano and violin companies have the heavy rock aspect, which is what I think is what makes the song a big hit. A song about opening your eyes after being so desensitized in life, and a gentle message to others about opening yourself up and how it can benefit you in the end.

Everybody’s fool – Lyrics filled with passive aggressiveness, Amy Lee portrays the fakeness and inappropriate ideologies in Hollywood and how it’s horrible for the youth. Inspired after her little sister’s phase with idols, Amy Lee wrote it as a letter to the music / Hollywood industry stating how she doesn’t believe in their unrealness and how nobody else should either. The song’s message is still relevant, even in today’s times with influencers and artists, with everyone wanting to be exactly like their celebrities without even knowing the whole story.

My Immortal & My Immortal (Band Version) – Written by Ben Moody, Amy Lee supports the instrumentals with her sorrowing voice. In the band version, the guitar and drums as a duo makes the song’s message and Amy’s voice so much more impactful than the original version. Grief fills my heart everytime I listen to My Immortal, but it’s so beautifully written and sung that I can’t help but have it constantly on repeat.

Haunted – With a more spooky atmosphere and inspired by a story Ben Moody wrote, Haunted provides a more edgy and dark tone compared to their more popular songs. Ben Moody’s guitar solo completes the song, ending it on a good note with Amy’s last vocals. The chorus as the back vocals adds more to the “haunting” theme, making its significance throughout.

Tourniquet – Based on drummer Rocky Gray’s song made for another band, Evanescence comes from a more christian state in Tourniquet’s lyrics. Much like Haunted, it also has a much edgier tone.

Imaginary – Another one of my favorites, Evanescence takes you into an “imaginary” world and keeps you there throughout the song. Between the gentle piano and dreamy lyrics, the band paints the world as a place to always be a safe space away from harsh reality.

Taking Over Me – In Taking Over Me, It comes from the point of view of a stalker. Evanescence’s lyrics describe how this stalker’s obsession is taking them to a level of determination to find this “person”. The piano solo was gorgeous, added with the drums and guitar towards the end. Not one of my personal favorites but still an amazing song.

Hello – A lovely piano and violin duet with stunning vocals, Hello shows the type of grief you go through when you lose someone you love at a young age. Again, not a personal favorite but it is a goodie.

My Last Breath – Another personal favorite, this song portrays the story between two lovers. One is dying while confessing their love. I really do love this song because the instrumental is beautiful.

Whisper – With a beautiful chorus and a powerful voice, Evanescence takes a latin meaning and turns it into a song about leaving something behind. Personally, the lyrics bore me. So do the instrumentals as well. But Amy Lee’s voice & chorus save the song.

Evanescence’s songs come from a place of deep emotion, unique sound, and meaningful lyrics that makes a difference in the gothic metal / heavy metal scene. Amy Lee’s influence is everywhere, between music to fashion and makeup. I truly believe that this album and Evanescence will be around in more years to come.