First matter at hand, do not listen to any of these so called fans that say negative things about "The Silent Force". It is by far an awesome album in which I loved every single song. So the next album had a lot on its plate in trying to step up to the caliber of Silent Force. Fortunately, The Heart of Everything does just about that!
Tracks:
1. Howling - Let's just say I cranked up the volume in preparation for the experience. When the Howling came blasting on with the haunting choir and Sharon's dark voice, it sent chills down my spine and brought tears to my eyes. This song is Within Temptation in true Silent Force mode with the music, choir, and Sharon's voice soaring high and beautifully. The song about killing and descent into madness definitely suits the music and singing. Rating - 10/10
2. What Have You Done - I was a bit put off at first that WT went with a guest singer in Keith Caputo on a song. I don't even know who that is. But surprisingly the guy doesn't have a bad voice (although one appearance is enough). I admit like the rest of the reviewers that this song sounds a lot like something Evanescence would do. But the issue is that I firmly believe Evanescence's last album to be a complete failure. This song is pretty good in tempo and dark mood in showing Evanescence how it is REALLY done. Rating - 8/10
3. Frozen - The first ballad of the album, but it is really a hard ballad when you really look at it. A haunting song about sacrifice that sees Sharon soaring with her voice in lamenting quality that will send more chills through you. As you can tell by this point as I did listening, this album has a darker overtone to it so far. Rating - 9/10
4. Our Solemn Hour - WOW! Just when you think another dark song would come out, this song literally explodes into a soaring melody of choir and Sharon's voice. I was a little put off at first by the guy talking a little in the background but you either learn to tune it out or accept it (it only happens at a few short points really, that's all). I accepted it as it fits the song well in talking about the destruction mankind is wreaking havoc in its sinfulness and Sharon pleading for the Holy Spirit to redeem and save us. Just the choir chanting "Sanctus Espiritus" is mind blowing! Then Sharon belting it out with everything she's got with her voice will blow it away even further! By far my favorite song on this album and would receive a 100 rating if I could! Unbelievable! Rating - 10/10!
5. The Heart of Everything - This song actually rather surprised me. Most all of us are used to Sharon soaring with her voice, but in this one she brings her voice down lower than I've every heard her before. And she pulls it off really well! Probably one of the most gothy songs on the album, reaching back to their earlier days with some of the subtle growling in the background. The darkest song yet to be sure. Rating - 8/10
6. Hand of Sorrow - If Our Solemn Hour wasn't on this album, this song would easily be the hit of the album. It is much like the song mentioned but with less choir. In Hand of Sorrow you can hear Sharon more clearly in her melodic voice. Again she cuts loose with her vocals in this incredible song about a tortured soul torn between his love and his oath of honor in which often makes pay the price in doing terrible things. Another hit! 10/10
7. The Cross - Track number seven isn't 'lucky number seven' for Within Temptation. This is the one song on the whole album where they tripped and fell flat on their face. It starts off with Sharon high pitched like Mariah Carey before you hear her "Ah ah ah ah ah aaaaahhhhh!" repeatedly! It sounds like some weird laughing that is seriously distracting and annoying. I gritted my teeth trying to listen through the whole song but I only made it 2/3 of the way through. WT would best be wise to avoid this kind of style like the plague in the future. Rating - 3/10
8. Final Destination - WT gets off the ground and dusts themselves off as they redeem themselves with this track about escaping death but leading into paranoia about death around every corner and how easily fragile life can be snatched away. Sharon once again drops her voice down but not so much of the time in this one as she is soon back to singing high with her angelic voice. Rating - 9/10
9. All I Need - The first real ballad of the album. No choir. Very little guitars. Just Sharon singing passionately with drum and orchestra about the hope found in love. A big contrast compared to the darkness of most of the album but a really nice touch. In this we get to see Sharon's versatility in being able to sing a great love ballad. Rating - 8/10
10. The Truth Beneath the Rose - Back to the darkness we go! The choir never ceases to fail as they explode into a haunting chant before Sharon comes in to sing this song about the inner turmoil and battle a person faces with the evil inside oneself while praying for forgiveness for sins committed. The longest song on the album is what it ends up being but you barely notice as the whole song captivates you all the way through! Outstanding! Rating - 10/10
11. Forgiven - Get your tissues out for this one cause you WILL need it. This song has only Sharon's voice, violin, and a Piano in a haunting song of grief over losing a loved one and being left behind. I was left in tears by the end of the song. Her voice is so bitterly sweet that it will no doubt touch most everyone's heart. It brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it, reminding me of loved ones I miss so much. Simply Beautiful doesn't begin to describe it. Rating - 10/10
Overall this album is much like a mixture of Silent Force and Mother Earth that really makes for memorable songs. While it falls just short of the incredible album Silent Force, it is another fine installment by Within Temptation that will keep me as a fan for a long time! This album is a must have for other fans and for anyone interested in this group. I love it!
Overall Rating - 9/10
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The Heart of Everything
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Track Listings
| 1 | The Howling |
| 2 | What Have You Done (feat. Keith Caputo) [Radio Edit] |
| 3 | Frozen |
| 4 | Our Solemn Hour |
| 5 | The Heart of Everything |
| 6 | Hand of Sorrow |
| 7 | The Cross |
| 8 | Final Destination |
| 9 | All I Need |
| 10 | Stand My Ground |
| 11 | The Truth Beneath the Rose |
| 12 | Forgiven |
| 13 | What Have You Done (feat. Keith Caputo) |
Editorial Reviews
With the rise of gothic metal, dozens of bands have combined crunchy power chord volleys with ethereal vocals and orchestral arrangements, but none have done so as convincingly or with such keen grasp for symphonic arrangements as Holland's Within Temptation.
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Language : English
- Product Dimensions : 4.92 x 5.55 x 0.47 inches; 3.53 Ounces
- Manufacturer : Roadrunner Records
- Item model number : 3377733
- Original Release Date : 2007
- Date First Available : June 16, 2007
- Label : Roadrunner Records
- ASIN : B000ROALIU
- Number of discs : 1
- Best Sellers Rank: #201,319 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #3,419 in Pop Metal (CDs & Vinyl)
- #17,510 in Alternative Rock (CDs & Vinyl)
- #86,976 in Rock (CDs & Vinyl)
- Customer Reviews:
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2007
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2007
*Everything I state hear is MY OPINION! If something doesn't sound right to you, I'm sorry. As for song descriptions, well those are my own views on the meaning, so please don't be angry or confused if they do not match your own or that of the artist! That said....
I've had the leaked version for a few weeks and am really really really impressed. I've been a fan for a long time, and was pretty sure all their music would be in the same vein, but I was wrong. On this album they totally prove what they can do, Sharon in particular. Her range is extensive and she is gorgeous. Sharon's voice really brings the whole thing together, but lets not forget the amazing music! So often lead vocalists are the only point of view for a band, but you can honestly say that the band wouldn't be nearly as good if not for the members it has now. The band is really impressive and they make beautiful music together.
01. "The Howling" - How great is this song? Forget that it is mostly associated with the online game The Chronicles of Spellborn, it's a great metaphor for whats going on in the world today.
02. "What Have You Done (Featuring Keith Caputo)" - Now I usually don't like "duets", as they speak more of a romantical nature to me, and I'm not as interested in that as other types of music, but Sharon and Keith really sound great together. Their vocals don't sound strained and out of pitch trying to blend together like so many songs featuring other artists. It speaks of a love gone wrong, though both partners don't really want it to end. At least, that's my take.
03. "Frozen" - What can I say about this song? IT'S WONDERFUL. Nuff said.
04. "Our Solemn Hour" - One of their first songs with historical sound bites and latin "chanting" in the background. If ever I thought Sharon could do opera, this was it. She really sounds so beautiful in this song. The song speaks of chaos and getting free of torment and torture.
05. "The Heart of Everything" - Mainly speaks of not giving up, facing things head on, and not giving up what you are, cause what you are is the heart of everything.
06. "Hand of Sorrow" - Gorgeous music to this one, and highly recommended listen. Story of a slave to the gods or a mercenary of some higher power and how he wants to be free, but doesn't know what to do. At least, I think so. Prolly a metaphor for people that do this same thing to themselves.
07. "The Cross" - Quite a haunting quality to this song, and prolly my most favorite from the album. Sounds like a relationship going sour, one partner wanting to be real, while the other only sees what they want to see. We've all been through that at one time or other, whether in love or friendships.
08. "Final Destination" - Trying to break free from what seems inevitable, being overwhelmed with life.
09. "All I Need" - One of their most beautiful songs. My mother doesn't like a majority of the music I listen to, but this song is too much like the way we live each and everyday. This song is way way up there with "Somewhere." Speaks of a person wanting to be safe and comforted and not be taken down for their needs.
10. "The Truth Beneath the Rose" - Looking for a reason for what we do, why we do it, and if it's justified.
11. "Forgiven" - We all want to be forgiven, to feel like we are welcome. This song is a beautiful reminder about forgiving and being forgiven.
12. "What Have You Done (Featuring Keith Caputo) - Rock Mix" - If you buy the Deluxe version here, then you will get a really really wonderful extra song. This song is the same as track 2, but with an added twist - it's with the band! Of course, it's with the band anyway, but this version is more metal / rock, and doesn't have any orchestral aspects. It's still great if you are wanting a change from the beautiful symphonic wonders of the album version.
I totally recommend this album to ANYONE that likes good music; especially rock/metal with orchestral accompaniment. I love this album, and really hope that their future work is at least this good.
I've had the leaked version for a few weeks and am really really really impressed. I've been a fan for a long time, and was pretty sure all their music would be in the same vein, but I was wrong. On this album they totally prove what they can do, Sharon in particular. Her range is extensive and she is gorgeous. Sharon's voice really brings the whole thing together, but lets not forget the amazing music! So often lead vocalists are the only point of view for a band, but you can honestly say that the band wouldn't be nearly as good if not for the members it has now. The band is really impressive and they make beautiful music together.
01. "The Howling" - How great is this song? Forget that it is mostly associated with the online game The Chronicles of Spellborn, it's a great metaphor for whats going on in the world today.
02. "What Have You Done (Featuring Keith Caputo)" - Now I usually don't like "duets", as they speak more of a romantical nature to me, and I'm not as interested in that as other types of music, but Sharon and Keith really sound great together. Their vocals don't sound strained and out of pitch trying to blend together like so many songs featuring other artists. It speaks of a love gone wrong, though both partners don't really want it to end. At least, that's my take.
03. "Frozen" - What can I say about this song? IT'S WONDERFUL. Nuff said.
04. "Our Solemn Hour" - One of their first songs with historical sound bites and latin "chanting" in the background. If ever I thought Sharon could do opera, this was it. She really sounds so beautiful in this song. The song speaks of chaos and getting free of torment and torture.
05. "The Heart of Everything" - Mainly speaks of not giving up, facing things head on, and not giving up what you are, cause what you are is the heart of everything.
06. "Hand of Sorrow" - Gorgeous music to this one, and highly recommended listen. Story of a slave to the gods or a mercenary of some higher power and how he wants to be free, but doesn't know what to do. At least, I think so. Prolly a metaphor for people that do this same thing to themselves.
07. "The Cross" - Quite a haunting quality to this song, and prolly my most favorite from the album. Sounds like a relationship going sour, one partner wanting to be real, while the other only sees what they want to see. We've all been through that at one time or other, whether in love or friendships.
08. "Final Destination" - Trying to break free from what seems inevitable, being overwhelmed with life.
09. "All I Need" - One of their most beautiful songs. My mother doesn't like a majority of the music I listen to, but this song is too much like the way we live each and everyday. This song is way way up there with "Somewhere." Speaks of a person wanting to be safe and comforted and not be taken down for their needs.
10. "The Truth Beneath the Rose" - Looking for a reason for what we do, why we do it, and if it's justified.
11. "Forgiven" - We all want to be forgiven, to feel like we are welcome. This song is a beautiful reminder about forgiving and being forgiven.
12. "What Have You Done (Featuring Keith Caputo) - Rock Mix" - If you buy the Deluxe version here, then you will get a really really wonderful extra song. This song is the same as track 2, but with an added twist - it's with the band! Of course, it's with the band anyway, but this version is more metal / rock, and doesn't have any orchestral aspects. It's still great if you are wanting a change from the beautiful symphonic wonders of the album version.
I totally recommend this album to ANYONE that likes good music; especially rock/metal with orchestral accompaniment. I love this album, and really hope that their future work is at least this good.
Top reviews from other countries
richard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cd de within temptation
Reviewed in France on September 2, 2023
Cd en bon état, conforme à la commande, qui est différent du début de carrière de ce groupe. On peut constater une évolution certaine. Richard
Giorgio Cozzani
5.0 out of 5 stars
lo adoro
Reviewed in Italy on August 22, 2023
Forse il loro album più bello
P M
5.0 out of 5 stars
eine Menge starker Songs
Reviewed in Germany on March 9, 2007
Es hat lange gedauert, das Warten auf neues Material seit The silent Force und jetzt sollen wir also eine Ahnung von dem bekommen, was wirklich zählt im Leben ...
das beeindruckende Erlebnis beginnt bereits auf dem Cover, das Frontfrau Sharon den Adel als eine Art Justitia zwischen Gut und Böse zeigt.
Musikalisch beginnt die neuerliche Reise mit dem Titeltrack eines Onlinespiels, The Howling. Ein gelungener Einstieg mit bekannten Elementen wie dem bombastischen Chor oder den fordernden Riffs - vermissen dürfte so mancher die engelsgleiche Stimmlage den Adels und es sei vorab gesagt: diese wird auf der gesamten Breite von The Heart of Everything nur spärlich eingesetzt, was nicht unbedingt ein Nachteil sein muss. Denn dieses Album überzeugt mit zugänglichen Melodien und Arrangements, zugänglicher noch als auf dem Vorgänger, und könnte damit mit der einen oder anderen Nummer echtes Hitpotential entwickeln. Zu erwähnen wäre da zum einen die Vorab-Single What have you done mit Keith Caputo, die zugegebener Maßen arg an den Evanescence-Dauerbrenner Bring me to Life erinnert, aber eben auch durch ähnliche Eingängigkeit brilliert. Nicht weniger brillant sind Our solemn Hour mit seinem starken Chor, den mitreißenden Streichern und den die Aussage unterstützenden Effekten, der Titeltrack, auf dem sich die vielen möglichen Stimmlagen der Sharon den Adel vereinen, The Cross mit unkonventionellen Effekten außerhalb des Popfaches und die nachdenkliche Ballade Forgiven.
Nichtsdestotrotz bleibt ein kleiner Wermutstropfen: The Heart of Everything lässt als Within-Temptation-Album zum ersten Mal einen starken roten Faden vermissen, ein Thema, das alles in sich vereint. Und obwohl das neue Werk damit weniger aufgeräumt als alle Vorgängerplatten wirkt, bleibt ein Eindruck von vielen wundervollen Songs, die, jeder für sich, mehr als richtungsweisend für das Genre sind.
das beeindruckende Erlebnis beginnt bereits auf dem Cover, das Frontfrau Sharon den Adel als eine Art Justitia zwischen Gut und Böse zeigt.
Musikalisch beginnt die neuerliche Reise mit dem Titeltrack eines Onlinespiels, The Howling. Ein gelungener Einstieg mit bekannten Elementen wie dem bombastischen Chor oder den fordernden Riffs - vermissen dürfte so mancher die engelsgleiche Stimmlage den Adels und es sei vorab gesagt: diese wird auf der gesamten Breite von The Heart of Everything nur spärlich eingesetzt, was nicht unbedingt ein Nachteil sein muss. Denn dieses Album überzeugt mit zugänglichen Melodien und Arrangements, zugänglicher noch als auf dem Vorgänger, und könnte damit mit der einen oder anderen Nummer echtes Hitpotential entwickeln. Zu erwähnen wäre da zum einen die Vorab-Single What have you done mit Keith Caputo, die zugegebener Maßen arg an den Evanescence-Dauerbrenner Bring me to Life erinnert, aber eben auch durch ähnliche Eingängigkeit brilliert. Nicht weniger brillant sind Our solemn Hour mit seinem starken Chor, den mitreißenden Streichern und den die Aussage unterstützenden Effekten, der Titeltrack, auf dem sich die vielen möglichen Stimmlagen der Sharon den Adel vereinen, The Cross mit unkonventionellen Effekten außerhalb des Popfaches und die nachdenkliche Ballade Forgiven.
Nichtsdestotrotz bleibt ein kleiner Wermutstropfen: The Heart of Everything lässt als Within-Temptation-Album zum ersten Mal einen starken roten Faden vermissen, ein Thema, das alles in sich vereint. Und obwohl das neue Werk damit weniger aufgeräumt als alle Vorgängerplatten wirkt, bleibt ein Eindruck von vielen wundervollen Songs, die, jeder für sich, mehr als richtungsweisend für das Genre sind.
Gianluca
5.0 out of 5 stars
Whitin
Reviewed in Italy on January 13, 2023
Comprato per un regalo, chi lo ha ricevuto è stato entusiasta, anche il servizio di spedizione niente da dire, tutto perfetto.
alextorres
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great goth-rock album
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 4, 2007
Some time ago I reviewed Evanescence's second CD, "The Open Door".
Then, my feelings were tinged with disappointment:. Such had been my delight at Evanescence's debut album, "Fallen", that I had really been looking forward to "The Open Door", only to find that the excellence of that first album had not been repeated; there was no shine where before there had been only brilliance.
So, it was with immense surprise that my first reaction on hearing Within Temptation's fourth CD "The Heart of Everything" was "YES!, this is exactly what I had been expecting from Evanescence's The Open Door!"
It is perhaps strange to review an album by talking so much about another band but I am only describing my feelings on first listening to it. The comparison comes about because the musical styles are similar: this is goth-rock; the similarity of the sound compounded by the fact that lead singer Sharon den Adel reminds me of Evanescence's inspirational leader, Amy Lee.
The delight on hearing the album sprang from the fact that, unlike "The Open Door", the whole album works as a strong cohesive whole: there is pace aplenty, excellent heavy guitar work with juicy phrases thrown in, solid drumming, brilliant orchestration and keyboard work and melodies just oozing out absolutely everywhere! I've heard the album a good many more times now and it has always been a delight: it may not be original or innovative but it is excellently conceived and performed.
It is such a strong album that it is difficult to pick out any favourites but, if pushed, I'd probably highlight "The Howling" and "Forgiven" as being very strong as the opening and closing numbers with "Our Solemn Hour" and "The Cross" two others that come to mind at this moment.
The album is my first taste of Within Temptation and I will definitely follow up with some of the back catalogue.
Then, my feelings were tinged with disappointment:. Such had been my delight at Evanescence's debut album, "Fallen", that I had really been looking forward to "The Open Door", only to find that the excellence of that first album had not been repeated; there was no shine where before there had been only brilliance.
So, it was with immense surprise that my first reaction on hearing Within Temptation's fourth CD "The Heart of Everything" was "YES!, this is exactly what I had been expecting from Evanescence's The Open Door!"
It is perhaps strange to review an album by talking so much about another band but I am only describing my feelings on first listening to it. The comparison comes about because the musical styles are similar: this is goth-rock; the similarity of the sound compounded by the fact that lead singer Sharon den Adel reminds me of Evanescence's inspirational leader, Amy Lee.
The delight on hearing the album sprang from the fact that, unlike "The Open Door", the whole album works as a strong cohesive whole: there is pace aplenty, excellent heavy guitar work with juicy phrases thrown in, solid drumming, brilliant orchestration and keyboard work and melodies just oozing out absolutely everywhere! I've heard the album a good many more times now and it has always been a delight: it may not be original or innovative but it is excellently conceived and performed.
It is such a strong album that it is difficult to pick out any favourites but, if pushed, I'd probably highlight "The Howling" and "Forgiven" as being very strong as the opening and closing numbers with "Our Solemn Hour" and "The Cross" two others that come to mind at this moment.
The album is my first taste of Within Temptation and I will definitely follow up with some of the back catalogue.
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