Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation have wowed fans with their latest offering, “Entertain You.” The release comes as a fantastic surprise, coinciding with the commencement date of their planned “World’s Collide Tour” with fellow metal powerhouse group Evanescence. The tour was due to start this week, however, was postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and is now set to kick off in the UK on September 2. 

“Entertain You” is the band’s first hint at a new album being on the way, following the release of Resist early last year. Their seventh studio album saw their first foray into a more political space, receiving mixed reviews from fans and critics. But this is not a band that allows themselves to fear change. They embrace it, constantly evolving and adapting their style to try new things and experiment with their craft.

This new track feels like the perfect teaser to another great album that is no doubt going to keep pushing boundaries. Opening with dramatic thumping chords from guitarist Stefan Helleblad, we are then greeted by the gruff male voice of their producer Daniel Gibson. An obvious departure from the familiar sweet, airy strength that is the sound of mezzo-soprano lead vocalist Sharon den Adel. The effect is awesome, as if telling us right from the start that this one is going to be a thrill-ride of the unexpected. 

Ruud Jolie (lead guitar), Jeroen van Veen (bass), Martijn Spirenburg (keyboards) and Mike Coolen (drums) then make their presence unmistakably known with a strong descent into the heavy which persists just long enough to get our heads banging, before an abrupt softening. Enter den Adel and her incredible vocal range, with high, angelic utterings before thundering into lower, almost rasping notes. The lyrics harshly lash out at those who seek to cruelly put themselves and their own needs ahead of the well-being of others and you can feel the pain and rage in den Adel’s voice. Her emotive expressionism through song is second to none. Leading us into the chorus, the heaviness resumes, with the beat becoming almost pop-like, making the tune feel catchy and fun, despite the enraged message of it. 

Most widely considered a symphonic metal band, Within Temptation have over the years proven themselves to not be so easily classified. Their willingness to step outside every comfort zone sets them apart from their contemporaries. No two Within Temptation albums are alike. They’ve demonstrated real fluidity across genres, effortlessly blending different sounds and styles to create some truly unique music. And “Entertain You” shows us that even after seven studio albums, they are still only just getting started surprising us.

 symphonic metal 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.