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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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