Evanescence
Biography
Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 by singer and pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. Lee and Moody met in 1994 at a youth camp. They began writing and recording music together, eventually releasing independent EPs such as the Evanescence EP (1998) and the Sound Asleep EP (1999).
Breakthrough with "Fallen"
After signing with Wind-up Records, Evanescence released their debut full-length album, Fallen, in 2003. The album was a massive commercial success, selling over 17 million copies worldwide. Propelled by hit singles "Bring Me to Life" and "My Immortal," Fallen earned the band two Grammy Awards in 2004 for Best New Artist and Best Hard Rock Performance for "Bring Me to Life". The album's success was bolstered by the inclusion of its songs on the soundtrack for the film Daredevil. In October 2003, during a European tour, co-founder Ben Moody departed from the band.
Subsequent Albums and Lineup Changes
The band's second album, The Open Door, was released in 2006 and also achieved multi-platinum status, selling more than five million copies worldwide. This album featured the lead single "Call Me When You're Sober." Following the release, the band saw several lineup changes, including the departure of guitarist John LeCompt and drummer Rocky Gray in 2007. Their third, self-titled album, Evanescence, was released in 2011 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Recent Years and Musical Style
After a hiatus, Evanescence returned with Synthesis in 2017, which featured orchestral and electronic reworkings of their previous material along with new songs. Their fifth studio album, The Bitter Truth, was released in 2021. The band's sound is often described as a blend of gothic rock and alternative metal, characterized by Amy Lee's powerful, operatic vocals and piano-driven melodies combined with heavy guitar riffs. Amy Lee has remained the only constant member throughout the band's history. The current lineup includes Amy Lee, guitarist Troy McLawhorn, bassist Tim McCord, and drummer Will Hunt.