By Heather Yarnell, October 2003

Almost three years since the release of Origin, a creepy yet soothing eleven-track "demo" disc sold by indie label BigWig Enterprises, comes this Little Rock, Arkansas band's major label debut Fallen, a devastatingly beautiful narrative that seems to transport the listener into frontwoman Amy Lee's own emotional nightmare. Composed of eleven songs, the album could very easily be interpreted as an exquisitely designed concept album. Evanescence waste no time in getting the scene established on the opening number "Going Under," as Lee defiantly sings Now I will tell you what I've done for you, immediately conjuring up images of the album's creepy in-your-face cover. As the track progresses, her vocals soar over the aggressive guitar work as she belts out with bitter determination to be free from an abusive relationship, yet despite her strong will can't seem to stop drowning in their presence. However, she quickly sheds the angry tone and desperately pleads to be saved from her new-found solitude on "Bring Me to Life": Now that I know what I'm without / You can't just leave me. Featuring Paul McCoy of 12 Stones, the tension builds during the first verse and finally lets loose on the chorus, as Lee and McCoy's lyrical exchange creates an irresistible hook.

Though it's nearly impossible to select a single stand-out song on the album, the emotional centerpoint may be "Tourniquet," an unrelenting tortured tale about suicide. It takes its time to build, as the music slowly seeps through your speakers and surrounds you just as the guitars get cranking, and then it absolutely pummels you with its emotion. Lee is not just singing about pouring crimson regret, she is living it. The tension continually increases until the final verse, where she begs one last time for salvation. Lee's distorted vocals cry above churning guitars while a ghostly choir's wails echo throughout on "Haunted," she roars her objection at being double-crossed on "Everybody's Fool," bravely stares down impending death in "My Last Breath" and desperately tries not to hide from the voices screaming her name or the fallen angels at her feet on the powerful closing tune "Whisper," which includes a choir chanting Save us from danger / Save us from evil in Latin. While most of Fallen is comprised of guitar-driven rock, there are also two gorgeous piano-accompanied ballads. "My Immortal" is easily one of the most achingly beautiful songs that you'll be blessed to hear. The lyrics alone could bring many people to tears, and Lee pouring out her intense vulnerability only adds to the level of sincere emotion that most artists can only dream of achieving. Equally impressive is the heart-breaking "Hello," which plays out like a discussion between Lee and her mind while the story slowly reveals itself as she struggles to hide from an unspoken truth that she doesn't want to face. The songs on Fallen deal with strong emotions, and this isn't an album comprised of background music. The well-crafted cinematic soundscape, hauntingly beautiful lyrics and emotional vocals draw you in and simply refuse to let you catch your breath or allow your mind to wander.