With "The Silent Force", WT scores a direct hit, capable of satisfying fans in all backgrounds without coming across as shallow or "watered down". Silent Force contains the trademark WT angelic vocals, but with far more organic and original symphonic orchestration and backing choirs than any of their previous works, following a widening trend in the wake of other "operatic" female vocal-fronted bands like Nightwish, Epica, or Octavia. (Though not to say WT are pretenders to the throne and playing copycat. They were one of the original pioneers of this sound many years ago, and have matured and refined this sound to the present magnum opus of The Silent Force.)

The Silent Force is anything but silent, and the album envelops you into a very rich and textured musical environment, weaving Sharon's beautiful vocals into a tapestry of crunchy guitars and lush orchestration. The chorus and anthems are epic, the softer songs are tender and moving, and the heavy parts just plain rock. This album has something for a wide range of music fans: from Evanescence-type music fans, to Gothic metal fans, to those who prefer "intelligent" symphonic music, or who are just looking for something different than the usual top 40 pop-tart music.

The first single released from this album, Stand My Ground, was purely designed to be a single, and sticks out from the rest of the songs on the CD. It is not stylistically representative of the rest of the songs on the album though by itself it is pretty enjoyable to listen to. Though some fans have cried foul and "sellout" when hearing this track on the radio (and I admit that when I first heard the single on the radio, I got worried that the new album would be entirely like Stand My Ground) it serves to give WT a foothold on the cookie-cutter radio and TV stations, which I have little problem with.

Stand out tracks that immediately captivate the listener and run through one's mind long after the CD has been turned off are Jilian (an orchestrated and epic metal anthem), Memories, Forsaken, See Who I Am, and It's The Fear (catchy chorus, probably a good choice for the second single).

All songs on this album are good, and the long wait after WT's last album was sure worth the wait. Buy this album, and disappointment will not be found!

Within Temptation is a talented band from Holland or Netherlands if you prefer who's lead singer is Sharon den Adel and she's as pretty as her voice is. There's a video of one of the songs on the album and she's a knockout. The music is symphonic metal with orchestral and choir backing. It is highly melodic and enchanting. If you know and like the band Nightwish then this is for you.

Some of the best songs are "See Who I Am", which starts with a huge sound then smartly slows down only to come back with the big catchy chorus, "Jillian (I'd give my Heart)" is just great with it's gigantic intro followed by the choir and Sharon's impeccable voice on the choruses and Stand my Ground" is slick the way it starts out sedately then explodes into a "don't mess with me" warrior mentality with the orchestra and choir. "Angels" is kind of appropriate with a heavenly Angelic sound and what can you say about "Pale"? Has there ever been a prettier melody in a song?

Taken as a whole there isn't much variety since each song does resemble the others but that homogenous sound doesn't bother me. In some ways it reminds me of a fine musical score where a change of style could be jolting.

I am really amazed that there are people that gave this album less than four stars. From beginning to end it's a great album. Is it better than their previous blockbuster, Mother Earth? It's close, I'd say probably not but only by the slimest of margins.

Similar Bands

Nightwish, Edenbridge, Visions of Atlantis, Dreams of Sanity, Enya, Loreena McKinnett

I'm sure the first thing most of you are going to see is the price tag. Honestly, it does seem a bit steep, even for an import. And when you can get the same cd minus two bonus songs for half the price, why not go the cheaper route?

While I don't typically spend so much on a cd, I must say this is worth it. When I heard "Jane Doe" on a message board I frequent, it immediately became stuck in my head. I had to have that song; it was so amazing.

The whole cd is just as good. The closest I can compare it to anything would be Evanescence. But as much as I love Evanescence, and with all respect due to Amy Lee, I must say Within Temptation is better. Sharon has a crisper, better-trained voice. The intensity given to each song is astounding. I certainly got my moneys worth from it.

As for whether "Destroyed" and "Jane Doe" are worth paying twice as much as the same album without, it was for me. "Jane Doe" is what started my obsession. "Destroyed" has become my number one favorite.

But even if you decide to get the version of this album without these two songs (which if you haven't personally heard any of their music, may be the smart way to go), rest assured it's well worth the money.

This album is a piece of art that comes to define the term, "musical talent". The singer's voice is incredible and the band is just outstanding! Hearing it from the first time reveals the huge effort spent to setup and mix the vocals, instruments, orchestra, and chorus. The commercial songs "Memories" and "Stand My Ground" are extraordinary, while the songs "Jillian", "Forsaken", and "It's The Fear" are just composed to make a deep notch on the surface of modern music. If you want to learn about classy-modern music, you should hear this album. The keyboardist (Martin Spierenburg), the singer (Sharon Den Adel), and the guitarist (Robert Westerholt) have done an excellent effort in composing the music, especially the keyboardist. I've never thought Gothic Rock would sound that cool!

I haven't been a fan of Within Temptation for very long. I first heard their song "Our Farewell" on a Celtic Music compilation "Celtic Circle" (which also featured "Sleeping Sun" by Nightwish). I was completely blown away and so I was able to hear pieces of the "Mother Earth" CD. It was good, but it was a little different from what I listen to. This CD is so damn good, it hasn't left my CD player since I got it.

Really stand-out songs are:

2. "See Who I Am" - Sharon Den Adel's voice is beautifully crystal clear in this piece. The loud guitars work so well with the Russian Choirs and the Orchestra.

3. "Jillian (I'd Give My Heart)" - The choirs are most wonderful in here. Sharon's voice hits those high notes so beautifully. This song is enough to make anyone a fan!

4. "Stand My Ground" - There is a lot of bitching about how this song is too mainstream. Give it a rest, I say. This song is good, but most of the songs on here are much better. This beats Evanescence hands-down (I'm a fan of Evanescence as well, Sharon's voice is still so much better though).

7. "Angels" - Sharon really get's the sound right in here. Her voice is just so angelic in here.

8. "Memories" - by far my favorite. This song kicks off with some melancholically beautiful violin work and pianos in the background. As it progresses it just changes the atmosphere.

9. "Aquarius" - is a great song. It really reflects more of the work on "Mother Earth".

10. "It's the Fear" - again a beautiful mixture of orchestral and metal sounds. Just awesome..

11. "Somewhere" - is so beautiful.

12. "A Dangerous Mind" - Essential Within Temptation

13. "The Swan Song" - some more use of Celtic instruments. Brilliant

Overall this album is probably the best one of I've ever heard from this group. The extra money for this import with tracks 12 and 13 is so worth it!! I couldn't live without hearing these last two songs.