Evanescence captivated the early 2000s with haunting vocals and gothic rock

Established in 1995 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Evanescence, is an American rock band that gained widespread recognition in the early 2000s? What did the trick? Their unique blend of pop, rock, gothic, metal, and symphonic elements, as well as the powerful vocals of their lead singer, Amy Lee.

The original lineup consisted of Amy Lee (vocals, piano), Ben Moody (guitar), David Hodges (keyboards), Francesco DiCosmo (bass), and Josh Freese (drums, though Rocky Gray would eventually become their drummer). However, the lineup has changed over the years due to various reasons, with Amy Lee being the only constant member. Evanescence released their debut album, Fallen, in 2003, which included hit singles like "Bring Me to Life" and "My Immortal."

The album achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, earning the band two Grammy Awards. Amy Lee's haunting vocals, combined with the band's symphonic and alternative rock sound, helped distinguish them in the music scene. Also, for some, they no doubt were a band for pop fans who wanted to say, "See? I listen to some rock, too!"

After a period of hiatus and lineup changes, Evanescence continued to release albums such as The Open Door (2006), which also achieved commercial success, and Evanescence (2011). Evanescence's style has evolved over the years, incorporating various influences, but they are generally associated with a mix of rock, gothic, and alternative elements. Amy Lee's powerful and emotive vocals remain a defining feature of the band's sound, and possibly the main ingredient that brought them into the Mainstream Rock charts and the Billboard 200.

Trivia

Evanescence were one of the biggest acts on Wind-up Records until they went out of business.

Their fourth album, Synthesis, reached number one on the Classical Albums chart, the Independent Albums chart, and the Alternative Albums chart.

Though often lumped in with "metal," their pop sensibilities might help them fit casually into a playlist with artists such as Tori Amos, U2, The Cure, and even David Bowie and Madonna.

Amy Lee has endorsed Kamala Harris for President in 2024 (sorry if you were trying to avoid politics, but it's true!).

Evanescence is apparently either recording new material, or about to in November of 2024.