WITHIN TEMPTATION THE SILENT FORCE ALBUM GUN, BMG RELEASE: NOVEMBER 17, 2004 REVIEW: NOVEMBER 15, 2004

After having to endure pompous bands like Nightwish in the symphonic goth genre, Within Temptation is a relief. Not that they don’t put out their share of "Long-hair-blowing-in-the-wind-on-a-stormy-gloomy-heath-oh-we-are-so-pale-and-have-a-female-vocalist-and-like-to-listen-to-Wagner" kind of quasi dramatic metal. No, that they do. But while Nightwish take their semi-opera music a bit too far, Within Temptation stay with both feet on the ground and put in some extra melodies and atmosphere instead. Within Temptation’s Sharon den Adel might not be as schooled a singer as Nigthwish’s Tarja Turunen either, but does instead have a better grasp of the English language and, frankly, a more pleasant voice. Somewhere in the music of Within Temptation there is also a hint of Celtic harmonies, which is always nice.
But don’t get me wrong. This is not some kind of Enya goes soft rock. No. Within Temptation pack a punch. Just listen to songs like the single "Stand My Ground" and try not feel them in your stomach. Not possible, right?
Too bad the genre of symphonic goth metal is overheated at the moment, with bands like Leaves' Eyes among the leaders in the race. If Within Temptation had been alone on that desolate heath, they might have been ground breaking. Now, they are merely a very good contender – and a more down to earth alternative to a bunch of pompous Finns.

KALLE MALMSTEDT