Evanescence

Formation

1994 in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

Founding Members

Amy Lee (vocals, keyboards) and Ben Moody (guitar)

Current Members

• Amy Lee (lead vocals, piano, keyboards)
• Tim McCord (bass, guitar)
• Will Hunt (drums)
• Troy McLawhorn (guitar)
• Emma Anzai (bass)

Past Members

Ben Moody, David Hodges, Will Boyd, Rocky Gray, John LeCompt, Terry Balsamo, Jen Majura

Genres

Alternative metal, gothic metal, gothic rock, hard rock, industrial rock, symphonic metal, nu metal (early)

Years Active

1994–present

Labels

Wind-up, Concord Bicycle, BMG

Introduction

Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1994 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. The band emerged from the underground gothic rock scene to become one of the most successful hard rock acts of the 2000s, with their debut album “Fallen” selling over 17 million copies worldwide.

After recording two independent EPs and a demo CD as teenagers, Evanescence signed to Wind-up Records and relocated to Los Angeles. Their debut single “Bring Me to Life” became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and earning the band two Grammy Awards including Best New Artist. The song’s rap verse (added at label insistence) sparked controversy as the band had not wanted a rap feature.

The band experienced significant lineup changes throughout their career. Ben Moody left abruptly during their first world tour in 2003, leading to Terry Balsamo replacing him. Further lineup changes occurred in 2007 and beyond, with Amy Lee remaining the sole constant member and creative driving force.

Evanescence’s sound combines Lee’s powerful soprano vocals with heavy guitar riffs and orchestral arrangements, creating a distinctive blend of beauty and aggression. The band has released five studio albums, with their orchestral reimagining “Synthesis” (2017) and 2021’s “The Bitter Truth” showcasing their continued evolution while maintaining their signature dark, emotional sound.

Formation and Early Years

How the Founders Met

Amy Lee (age 13) and Ben Moody (age 14) met in 1994 at a Christian youth camp in Little Rock, Arkansas. Lee was playing piano during sports activities while Moody played acoustic guitar. Both felt like outsiders at the camp and bonded over their shared sense of not fitting in.

Within a month of meeting, Lee brought Moody a cassette of her original songs, and they began collaborating at Lee’s home. They performed acoustic sets at local bookstores and coffee houses, developing their sound.

Early Experimentation

As teenagers, they lacked the technology to realize their full musical vision: - Lee had a 16-track recorder - Used Pro Tools with “fake strings and choirs” on her keyboard - Experimented with various band names including “Childish Intentions” and “Stricken” - Eventually settled on “Evanescence” (meaning disappearance or fading away) - Found the name “beautiful” and “elusive”

Independent Releases

Evanescence EP (1998)

• Self-released limited EP
• Only 100 copies made
• Sold at early shows

Sound Asleep / Whisper EP (1999)

• Also known as the Whisper EP
• Limited independent release
• Showcased evolving sound

Origin (2000)

• Self-released demo CD
• Sold at concerts and online
• In 2003, Lee and Moody encouraged fans to download demos from the internet rather than pay inflated eBay prices (some selling for $400)

Early Sound Development

The band’s early material showcased: - Lee’s classical piano training - Gothic and dark wave influences - Moody Brothers film score influences - Heavy metal elements - Symphonic arrangements (simulated with keyboards)

Signing to Wind-up Records

• 2001: Signed after producer Diana Meltzer heard “My Immortal”
• Relocated to Los Angeles for 2 years to work on debut album
• Label initially refused to release “Fallen” unless they hired a full-time male co-vocalist
• Compromised by adding Paul McCoy’s rap vocals to “Bring Me to Life”
• This decision would cause lasting friction between the band and their label

Musical Influences

• Danny Elfman film scores
• Classical music (Lee’s background)
• Heavy metal
• Alternative rock
• Industrial and electronic music
• Gothic rock traditions

Lee aimed to combine “cinematic and classical symphonic world” with “metal, hard rock and alternative music.”

Career Chronology

Fallen Era (2001-2004)

Album Release

• March 4, 2003: “Fallen” released
• Peaked at #3 on Billboard 200
• Four singles: “Bring Me to Life,” “Going Under,” “My Immortal,” “Everybody’s Fool”

Breakthrough Success

• “Bring Me to Life” reached #5 on US Hot 100, #1 in UK
• “My Immortal” reached #7 on US Hot 100
• Album sold over 17 million copies worldwide
• Certified 4× platinum in US

Ben Moody’s Departure

• October 22, 2003: Moody left during European tour
• Cited creative differences
• Amy Lee continued with tour using replacement musicians
• Terry Balsamo (formerly of Cold) replaced Moody permanently

Grammy Success (2004)

• Best New Artist (WIN)
• Best Hard Rock Performance for “Bring Me to Life” (WIN)
• Total 6 nominations

Live Album

• 2004: “Anywhere but Home” (live album/DVD)
• Sold 1 million+ copies worldwide

The Open Door (2004-2007)

• Lee and Balsamo wrote second album together
• Bassist Will Boyd left July 2006 (didn’t want to tour)
• Tim McCord joined as bassist

Album Release

• October 3, 2006: “The Open Door” released
• Debuted at #1 on Billboard 200
• First-week sales: 447,000 copies
• Singles: “Call Me When You’re Sober,” “Lithium,” “Sweet Sacrifice”

Lineup Changes (2007)

• Guitarist John LeCompt and drummer Rocky Gray fired May 2007
• Will Hunt and Troy McLawhorn joined
• Co-headlined Korn’s Family Values Tour 2007

Self-Titled Album and Hiatus (2009-2014)

• Worked with producer Steve Lillywhite, then replaced with Nick Raskulinecz

Album Release

• October 11, 2011: “Evanescence” released
• Debuted at #1 on Billboard 200
• First album co-written as a band
• Singles: “What You Want,” “My Heart Is Broken,” “Lost in Paradise”

Hiatus

• Hiatus began after 2012 tour
• Amy Lee filed lawsuit against Wind-up Records January 2014 for $1.5M in unpaid royalties
• Left label in March 2014, became independent

Synthesis (2015-2018)

• Returned to touring 2015
• Terry Balsamo departed August 2015; Jen Majura joined

Album Release

• November 10, 2017: “Synthesis” released
• Orchestral/electronica reimagining of previous material
• Two new songs included
• Featured Lindsey Stirling on “Hi-Lo”
• Synthesis Live tour with full orchestras

The Bitter Truth (2019-2023)

Album Release

• March 26, 2021: “The Bitter Truth” released
• Reached top 5 on Billboard Independent, Alternative, and Hard Rock charts
• Singles released throughout 2020-2021 leading up to album

Touring

• COVID-19 delayed Worlds Collide tour with Within Temptation multiple times
• Finally completed 2022
• Extensive festival appearances

2024-Present

• Working on sixth studio album
• Continued touring and festival appearances
• Amy Lee has pursued solo soundtrack work alongside band activities

Studio Albums

1. Fallen (2003)
2. The Open Door (2006)
3. Evanescence (2011)
4. Synthesis (2017)
5. The Bitter Truth (2021)
6. TBA (in development)

Major Achievements and Awards

Grammy Awards (2 Wins, 6 Nominations)

Wins

• 2004: Best New Artist
• 2004: Best Hard Rock Performance - “Bring Me to Life”

Nominations

• Best New Artist (category win)
• Best Hard Rock Performance (win)
• Additional nominations across various categories

Other Major Awards

Loudwire Music Awards

• 3 Loudwire Music Awards

Kerrang! Awards

• 1 Kerrang! Award

Revolver Golden Gods Music Awards

• 1 Revolver Golden Gods Music Award

Rock Sound Awards

• 1 Rock Sound award

Additional Nominations

• Brit Award nomination
• 3 American Music Award nominations
• 5 MTV Video Music Award nominations

Sales Achievements

• 31.9 million albums sold worldwide
• “Fallen”: 17+ million copies worldwide (4× platinum US)
• “Anywhere but Home”: 1+ million copies
• Multiple platinum and gold certifications internationally

Chart Achievements

Billboard 200

• 3 #1 albums: “The Open Door” (2006), “Evanescence” (2011), plus strong debut performance for “The Bitter Truth”

Billboard Hot 100

• “Bring Me to Life”: #5
• “My Immortal”: #7
• “Call Me When You’re Sober”: Top 10

International Success

• 1 singles in multiple countries

• Strong presence in UK, Europe, Australia, Latin America

Certification Milestones

• Fallen: 4× Platinum (US), Platinum (UK), Gold/Multi-Platinum in numerous countries
• The Open Door: Platinum (US)
• Evanescence: Gold (US)

Cultural Impact Recognition

• “Bring Me to Life” considered defining song of 2000s rock
• Amy Lee recognized as one of rock’s most powerful female voices
• Influential in bringing female-fronted rock to mainstream

Critical Recognition

• Consistently positive reviews for albums
• Praised for maintaining artistic vision despite industry pressures
• Recognition for orchestral experimentation on “Synthesis”

Touring Achievements

• Multiple successful world tours
• Headlined major rock festivals globally
• Synthesis tour with full orchestra demonstrated artistic ambition
• Worlds Collide tour with Within Temptation (2022)

Legacy Indicators

• Streaming numbers remain strong for catalog
• “Bring Me to Life” continues as viral meme and cultural reference
• Influenced generation of female-fronted rock and metal bands
• Maintained fanbase across 20+ year career

Musical Style and Artistry

Signature Sound

Evanescence’s music is characterized by: - Amy Lee’s powerful soprano vocals combined with heavy guitar riffs - Orchestral arrangements integrated with rock instrumentation - Piano and keyboard-driven compositions - Gothic and dark aesthetic - Contrasting sounds - beauty combined with aggression

Amy Lee’s Vocal Technique

• Classically trained soprano voice
• Emotional range from whisper-soft to full power
• Operatic influences
• Ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously
• Distinctive vibrato and phrasing

Songwriting Approach

• Personal experience and emotion as primary inspiration
• Dark, introspective lyrics
• Themes of loss, struggle, empowerment, and hope
• Lee as primary songwriter
• Collaborative writing on later albums

Genre Elements

Alternative Metal

• Heavy guitar riffs and breakdowns
• Driving rhythms
• Aggressive vocal delivery (at times)

Gothic Rock

• Dark, atmospheric soundscapes
• Moody, introspective lyrics
• Theatrical presentation

Symphonic Metal

• Orchestral arrangements
• Classical music influences
• Cinematic sound

Electronic Elements

• Synthesizers and programming
• Industrial textures (especially on “The Bitter Truth”)
• Electronic beats and atmospheres

Influences

• Danny Elfman film scores
• Classical music (Chopin, Mozart)
• Heavy metal (Metallica, Pantera)
• Alternative rock (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins)
• Industrial music
• Gothic rock traditions

Comparison to Peers

Vs. Linkin Park

• Both combined rock with rap elements (though Evanescence reluctantly)
• Both achieved massive success in early 2000s
• Evanescence more female-fronted, gothic-oriented

Vs. Paramore

• Both female-fronted rock bands
• Evanescence darker and heavier
• Paramore more pop-punk oriented

Vs. Nightwish/Within Temptation

• Similar symphonic metal elements
• Evanescence more commercially successful in US
• All part of female-fronted metal wave

Evolution Over Time

Early Period (1998-2003)

• Raw, demo-quality productions
• Heavier industrial influences
• More experimental

Fallen Era (2003-2006)

• Polished, radio-friendly sound
• Orchestral arrangements prominent
• Commercial peak

The Open Door (2006-2011)

• Darker, more personal lyrics
• More complex arrangements
• Lee’s creative control increased

Evanescence/Synthesis (2011-2018)

• Band-oriented sound
• Orchestral reinvention
• Artistic experimentation

The Bitter Truth (2021-present)

• Return to heavier roots
• Industrial and electronic elements
• Modern production

Signature Songs

• “Bring Me to Life”: The breakthrough hit, symphonic rock template
• “My Immortal”: Piano ballad, emotional showcase
• “Going Under”: Heavy, aggressive track
• “Call Me When You’re Sober”: Empowerment anthem
• “Lithium”: Atmospheric, emotional depth
• “Imperfection”: Later period experimentation

Personal Life, Relationships, and Controversies

Amy Lee

Early Personal Life

• Born December 13, 1981, in Riverside, California
• Grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas
• Classically trained pianist from young age
• Lost younger sister Bonnie at age 6 (influenced her music)
• Religious upbringing (father was pastor)

Relationships

• Dated Shaun Morgan (Seether lead singer)
• Breakup inspired “Call Me When You’re Sober”
• Married Josh Hartzler (therapist) in 2007
• Has one son, Jack Lion Hartzler (born 2014)
• Hartzler has been supportive of her career

Solo Work

• Released solo album “Aftermath” (2014) - film soundtrack
• “Dream Too Much” (2016) - children’s album with father
• Various soundtrack contributions
• Maintains solo career alongside Evanescence

Ben Moody

Departure and Aftermath

• Left band October 2003 during European tour
• Cited creative differences with Lee
• Physical and verbal abuse allegations surfaced later
• Formed band We Are the Fallen
• Later became songwriter for other artists

Lineup Changes and Controversies

Christian Market Controversy (2003)

• Label promoted band to Christian market
• Lee and Moody publicly stated they were not a Christian band
• Wind-up recalled “Fallen” from Christian retailers
• Band wanted to avoid being pigeonholed

LeCompt/Gray Firing (2007)

• John LeCompt and Rocky Gray fired May 2007
• Lee stated they disliked the music and stayed for money
• Created tension and negative press

Legal Battle with Wind-up (2014)

• Lee filed $1.5M lawsuit for unpaid royalties
• Left label March 2014
• Became independent artist
• Resulted in 5-year gap between albums

Terry Balsamo’s Departure

• Suffered stroke in 2005 (recovered)
• Left band August 2015
• Creative differences cited
• Jen Majura replaced him

Amy Lee as Figurehead

• Lee has been sole constant member
• Band essentially functions as her solo project with collaborators
• Some criticism of rotating lineup
• Fans generally supportive of Lee’s vision

Personal Struggles

• Lee has been open about depression and anxiety
• Mother’s death during “The Bitter Truth” recording
• Various health issues affecting touring
• Balancing motherhood with rock stardom

Philanthropy

• Lee supports various charities
• Mental health advocacy
• Women’s rights and empowerment
• Animal rights causes

Controversial Decisions

• Synthesis orchestral project received mixed reactions
• Long gaps between albums frustrated fans
• Various lineup changes questioned by some fans
• “Bring Me to Life” rap verse still controversial among fans

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Impact on Female-Fronted Rock

• One of best-selling hard rock/metal artists of all time
• Pioneered female-fronted alternative metal mainstream success
• Proved women could front heavy rock bands commercially
• Opened doors for subsequent female rock artists

“Bring Me to Life” Legacy

• Defining song of 2000s rock
• Continues as viral meme and internet culture reference
• Introduced symphonic metal elements to mainstream
• Controversial rap verse became part of song’s identity

Influence on Subsequent Artists

Direct influence on: - Flyleaf - Halestorm - Within Temptation (reciprocal influence) - Various female-fronted rock and metal bands - PVRIS - New Years Day

Amy Lee’s Vocal Legacy

• Recognized as one of rock’s most powerful female voices
• Influenced singing style of numerous female rock vocalists
• Classical training brought legitimacy to rock singing
• Proved operatic vocals could work in heavy rock context

Cultural Significance

• Part of early 2000s nu-metal/alternative metal wave
• Successfully crossed over from underground to mainstream
• Maintained artistic integrity despite commercial pressures
• Survived and thrived through multiple lineup changes

Awards Legacy

• Grammy wins established credibility
• Best New Artist win rare for hard rock band
• Opened doors for heavier music at mainstream awards

Touring and Live Performance

• Known for theatrical live shows
• Synthesis tour with orchestra demonstrated ambition
• Maintained strong live following over 20 years
• Festival headlining status

Catalog Longevity

• “Fallen” remains classic album
• Streaming numbers strong for catalog
• New generations discovering music
• Consistent vinyl sales

Industry Impact

• Proved female-fronted rock could sell millions
• Influenced label interest in similar acts
• Demonstrated value of artistic vision over trends
• Successful transition to independent artist model

Criticism and Debate

• Some debate about “band vs. solo project” nature
• Lineup changes questioned by some
• Long gaps between releases frustrated some fans
• “Synthesis” project divisive among fanbase

Final Assessment

Evanescence’s legacy includes: 1. Breaking barriers for women in heavy rock 2. Defining sound of early 2000s alternative metal 3. “Bring Me to Life” as cultural touchstone 4. Amy Lee as iconic rock frontwoman 5. Maintaining relevance across two decades 6. Influencing generation of rock musicians