Evanescence - 'The Open Door'

First single Call Me When You're Sober is by far the standout track here, harking back to the finest moments from Evanescence's debut. For the rest of the album it's more of the same without as much of the feeling or creativity, Cloud Nine being the other notable track and probably the next single. Plenty of booming choruses are o be found featuring crashing drums and that famous voice with those dark, longing vocals. Musically it's not as complex or as exciting as 'Fallen', probably in no small part to the departure of former lead guitarist and songwriter Ben Moody. Again there are the ballad-like moments, using the slow bit then hard heavy bit formula common to so many groups coming from the Nu Metal scene. Instrumentally the album is actually quite layered and complex- it's just a pity it lacks inspiration. It is a little darker though, hopefully putting to rest those persistent Christianity rumours, and if only a fraction of the people who bought 'Fallen' (over 14 million) purchase this, it will still be destined for a long stay in the charts. [Xavier Toby]