Mother Earth

For an album to sell 100,000 copies in tiny Holland it has to be something special. Initially, this blockbuster CD was only released in selected parts of Europe. When customers throughout Europe started clamoring for it they rectified the problem. Mother Earth is also starting to make waves in the good old US of A as well, apparently by word of mouth, since, to my knowledge, it doesn't get airtime.

What is Mother Earth? Possibly the best Gothic-metal CD ever made! Previous releases by this group included beauty and the beast style growls, which is common for this sub-genre of music in Europe. Fortunately that was waived for this wonderful album, which, I think, helped the band get to another level.

Within Temptation consists of:
Sharon den Adel (Vocals), Robert Westerholt (Vocals, guitar), Martijn Westerholt (synths & keyboards), Ivar de Graaf (drums), Jeroen Van Deen (bass), Michiel Papenhove (guitars).

The founder of Within Temptation - Robert Westerholt - sure hit gold when he found the sensational vocalist, Sharon den Adel (his former? girlfriend). She has the most impressive voice this side of Celene Dion. In fact some reviewers have anointed her the current best soprano around. "the new Annie Haslam" of Renaissance fame. I can't disagree, her singing is exquisite, powerfully delivered and emotional. And the music, which is also fabulous and oh so pretty, is in the celtic/symphonic/gothic vein with varied but mostly medium tempo and large production orchestral segments featuring strings, horns, guitars and organs. Also contributing to the album are arranger Rene Merkelbach and a small choir. All songs are way above average with my favorites being "The Promise", "Deceiver of Fools", "Ice Queen" and the title track "Mother Earth".

A brief summery of the songs
"Mother Earth" starts with lush keyboards and the choir, before the guitars raise the tempo and intensity. Sharon's incomparable voice soars above the choir and everything else enhancing, not obliterating the rich textures set forth.
"The Ice Queen" is a powerful up tempo number, heavily orchestrated with a catchy melody and lyrics which are easy to memorize. Originally released as a single, this song made the best connection with the audiences during their tour.
"Our Farewell" changes direction a little since it's a pleasant light number featuring Sharon in a simple mix of piano with orchestral accompaniment.
"Caged" continues the lighter mood with the introduction of woodwinds, however the tone changes once Sharon's voice joins in, singing her anguish, as a woman, for being misled and deceived.
"the Promise", the longest song which, along with "Deceiver of Fools", is my favorite, powerful guitar work with heavy orchestration and of course, Sharon's impeccable voice.
"Never ending story" is a balladic song during which Sharon is backed by piano and members of the choir.
"Deceiver of Fools" begins quietly and then alternates between heavier, fast paced sections and quieter parts where Sharon's voice, double tracked, carries the melody.
"Into/Dark Wings" a heavy guitar lead, evolving into a near east sound and then Sharon again, this time joined by friend and fellow artist Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon)on a cameo guitar solo.
"In Perfect Harmony" this light, happily pleasant song is mostly Sharon with a light accompaniment of acoustic guitar a spacey keyboards.

On another note, Sharon, who is the busiest of the band members, performed as a guest singer on two albums: Ayreons, Into the Electric Castle and After Forever's, Prison of Desire.

Within Temptation's distinct sound doesn't compare well with any other bands I can think of but there are similarities to Lacuna Coil (more progressive), After Forever (another great vocalist but male growling - also from Holland), and the English band, Edenbridge. Do yourself a favor and see what the biggest selling album in Europe sounds like. I think you'll like it.

This is an ESSENTIAL GOTHIC-METAL ALBUM!