Evanescence

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Evanescence 2003

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Amy Lee - Evanescence 07

Tim McCord of Evanescence @ Maquinária Festival

Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. After experiencing several lineup changes in the early years, the band achieved significant commercial success in the early 2000s with the release of their debut album, Fallen (2003). The album sold more than 17 million copies worldwide and helped the band win two Grammy Awards out of six nominations.

History

Formation and Early Years (1995–2001)

Evanescence was formed when Amy Lee and Ben Moody met at a youth camp in Arkansas. Sharing a mutual interest in music, they started writing songs together. Initially, Evanescence was a duo project, with Lee as the lead vocalist and keyboardist and Moody playing the guitar. The band's name, "Evanescence," meaning "to disappear or vanish," was chosen to reflect the ethereal quality of their music.

Breakthrough with Fallen (2003)

The release of Fallen in 2003 marked a significant turning point for Evanescence. The album, featuring hits like "Bring Me to Life" and "My Immortal," showcased the band's unique blend of rock, metal, and classical elements. Fallen spent 43 weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and was certified 7x platinum in the United States.

Subsequent Albums and Changes

Following the success of Fallen, Evanescence released several more albums, including The Open Door (2006) and Evanescence (2011), both of which saw significant commercial success. The band's lineup underwent numerous changes over the years, with Amy Lee remaining as the constant member and primary creative force.

Musical Style and Influences

Evanescence's music is characterized by a fusion of rock, metal, and classical music elements. Amy Lee's classically trained voice, combined with heavy guitar riffs and orchestral arrangements, creates a distinctive sound that has been described as gothic rock, nu metal, and alternative metal. The band cites influences from a wide range of artists, including Mozart, Danny Elfman, and modern rock bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden.

Impact and Legacy

Evanescence has left a significant mark on the rock and metal scenes, influencing a new generation of bands and artists with their unique sound and emotional depth. The band's exploration of themes such as love, pain, and existential angst resonates with a wide audience, making them one of the defining acts of the early 2000s rock scene.

Discography

• Fallen (2003)
• The Open Door (2006)
• Evanescence (2011)
• Synthesis (2017)
• The Bitter Truth (2021)

Members

• Amy Lee – lead vocals, keyboards, piano (1995–present)
• Current and former members include a rotating lineup of guitarists, bassists, drummers, and additional keyboardists.

Awards and Nominations

Evanescence has received numerous awards and nominations, including two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Hard Rock Performance in 2004.