Within Temptation
Bleed Out
CD. Limited Edition, 3D Lenticular Cover. 2023. Symphonic Metal.
V2/Bertus kindly made this CD available to me.

In 2023, Within Temptation released their ninth studio album, Bleed Out. The band around the outstanding singer Sharon den Adel hasn't been playing gothic metal for a long time, but has developed into an ambient/symphonic metal band. With their stylish live performances and tonally perfect studio albums, Within Temptation has long been one of the established metal bands. Even if the outstanding musicians of Within Temptation don't like to hear it, their front woman simply stands out and is the face of the band.

The band has not made many political statements up to now, but with Bleed Out they have delivered a much more political album. The criticism ranges from the oppressed women of Iran to the war of aggression against Ukraine and the entertainment industry. There is also criticism of this step by Within Temptations. However, I am of the opinion that art can critically engage with the society of our earth. Or explicitly not want to do that. Both are OK and every listener has to decide for themselves what they want.

Conclusion: So that everyone knows where I stand: Symphonic rock or metal is not my kind of music and I prefer the older WT albums. So Bleed Out surprised me. It is still pompous, symphonic and epic but also harder and less symphonic than usual. The mix is ​​good here and Bleed Out will probably be put in my player every now and then. I have musical respect for Within Temptation, even if I am not a fan of this music. But you can't go wrong with this album and I recommend it. Listen to "Bleed Out". "Shed my Skin" and the radio-friendly "Ritual". The CD has a good sound and is stylishly designed.

Scharon den Adel: Vocals
Robert Westerholt: Only in Studio
Ruud Adrianus Jolie: Lead-Guitar
Jeroen van Veen: E-Bass
Martijn Spierenburg: Keyboard
Mike Coolen: Drums
Stefan Helleblad: Only Live

The photos are all from my CD. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.