Writing, recording and producing an album under ordinary circumstances can be challenging. Doing so in the middle of a pandemic adds an extra set of obstacles to overcome.
Whatever obstacles they might have faced due to the pandemic, none are present on Evanescence’s new album, The Bitter Truth, which is the first album of all-new music in nearly a decade.
The Bitter Truth was a collaborative effort by the band—frontwoman and vocalist Amy Lee, guitarists Troy McLawhorn and Jen Majura, bassist Tim McCord and drummer Will Hunt—that has been released one song at a time ahead of the album’s full release Friday. Five songs have been released and provided just a taste of what was to come on the rest of the album.
Production of the album began in January 2020 and was still underway when the pandemic hit, sending the band home, and in Jen’s case, back overseas to Germany, her home country. Most of the band regrouped in Nashville later in the year and quarantined together to finish the album, with Jen joining the group virtually.
The Bitter Truth shows how much the band has matured since the early years of Fallen and The Open Door. The resounding theme of the album is learning to embrace the bitter truth of life, which, while difficult at times, is better than easy, feel-good lies. The album contains many familiar elements of Evanescence music (Amy’s iconic vocals, among others), while also delving into new territory, including in lyrics (with the band’s first political song) and in expanding use of electronica in the music.
Here’s a song-by-song look at what all there is to love about The Bitter Truth.
Artifact/The Turn
The album opens with the haunting electronica of this number. It contains beautiful, low-pitch vocals in its first half. The song eases the listener into the album, with Amy featured front and center with her vocals and the harmonizing sounds of electronica.
Broken Pieces Shine
The second song kicks off immediately from the first and is a fast-paced rock song. Broken Pieces Shine is definitely classic Evanescence and features a nice blend of all elements. The song is about making yourself keep going in life, even when you think you can’t and remembering not to give up, even with the truth is bitter.
The Game is Over
In July, The Game is Over was the second song released from the album, giving listeners more of a taste of what was to come. The song opens with a nice drum roll, reminiscent of 2011’s What You Want before Amy kicks in with her vocals. The song is largely about not hiding behind a façade in life and embracing the bitter truth. It also features a nice moment of guitars, bass and drums rocking out with a rhythm before the final chorus and the song ends on a powerful note.
Yeah Right
Yeah Right features a nice rhythm that sounds like something a dance team could do a whole routine to. Amy’s vocals soar over the music and it’s definitely a catch song (and a little vulgar, as one lyric has Amy singing “I’m reaching a new level of not giving a fuck.”). Near the end of the song, there is a killer guitar solo that will sound incredible when the song is performed live. Hopefully that’ll happen. Soon.
Feeding the Dark
This gem is reminiscent of Haunted from Fallen at the beginning of it before the rocking kicks in and the song takes off. More of the lower vocals present earlier in the album are featured, along with Amy’s more traditional high notes, and the song does a great job of showing Amy’s vocal range. The theme of Feeding the Dark is you can’t escape from the (often bitter) truth.
Wasted on You
Wasted on You kicked off the journey of The Bitter Truth nearly a year ago, when much of the country was on lockdown due to the pandemic. The song is the perfect blend of all musical elements, from vocals to electronica to guitars and drums and was a great way to introduce the world to the album. Its accompanying music video, filmed by the band at each of their homes during lockdown, is the realest and most relatable music video Evanescence has ever produced.
Better Without You
The fifth song released ahead of the album’s full release, Better Without You starts with the sound of something winding up and a brief lullaby before exploding into an epic rock ballad. The song tells the story of the band and what they—especially Amy—has had to overcome over the years. The lyrics make it clear Amy won’t be silenced on what she’s experienced, which makes it the perfect song to precede the song that follows it.
Use My Voice
Use My Voice is Evanescence’s first political song. The song was released in August, ahead of the November election and called for people to stand up and use their voices at the polls. With the song’s messaging, it should be the nation’s anthem for getting people to vote. It’s especially appropriate the album came out Friday amid the news in Georgia of that state’s governor passing a voter suppression law Thursday. Use My Voice can and should be a rallying call to denounce what happened in Georgia.
Take Cover
Take Cover had its debut during Evanescence’s tour in late 2016. It was introduced as a new song for the band, though it was already a few years old when it was first played. The song was scrapped from the first recording session of the self-titled album in 2010. While often the live covers of song have a little more energy since you actually see the musicians rocking to the music, Take Cover is different. This recording of it is even more epic than the live version and the slightly revised lyrics give it new life while retaining its epicness, including the new bridge that plays before the final chorus.
Far From Heaven
Throughout the album, there are hints of Amy singing in memory of her brother Robbie, who passed in 2018. Far From Heaven is the song where it’s the clearest Amy is singing about Robbie. It’s a beautiful ballad that can be called the modern day My Immortal, though it stands on its own as a song that’s about grief. Far From Heaven is a spiritual song that is appropriate listening for anyone who is grieving a loss.
Part of Me
Part of Me is in your face from the get-go. The song is all about owning the scars of the past and not being ashamed of them. The song makes clear it’s not the only part of you. It speaks of moving forward from the pain and having no time for bitterness, but reminding you the scars will always be a part of you.
Blind Relief
The album concludes with Blind Relief, which features a nice musical intro before the vocals start in. Amy’s vocals dominate on this song, but it’s not overwhelming; in fact it makes the song more powerful. The main theme of the song is love above all. The song is fitting as the ending song, as the album is all about the bitter truth of life and in spite of it being difficult, love conquers all.
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