Song Review: "Enter" - Within Temptation

There was a time when Dutch rock sensations Within Temptation fully embraced the Gothic doom-y side of their music. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the song "Enter" from their first album release...er......"Enter".

The song opens with a spooky creaking door and a Lugosi-esque voice saying "Welcome...to my home". You just know you are in some seriously Gothic territory before the music even kicks in. Then the keyboard/organ and guitars kick in with dark riff that just oozes European Gothic fantasy. The vocals see a back and forth contrast between the dark growling male vocals of Robert Westerholt and the lighter soaring ethereal vocals of his partner, and the band's female singer, Sharon den Adel. The lyrics drip with esoteric references and you can imagine yourself in some decaying ancient abbey or castle as a ritual is performed....but what is being summoned/invoked....something old beyong measure and powerful no doubt....but is it Dark or Light? Who is the woman? Whose wings does she require? Let your imagine answer these questions for you.....I have my theories....my own story to match the lyrics.....may you find and enjoy your own stories within these lyrics.

Lyrics:

Male vocal:
The gates of time have opened,
Now, it's chains are broken.
An ancient force unleashed again

As I enter the portal,
I feel the enchantment
It takes me away, away from here

Female Vocal:
Come near me,
enter my private chambers,
I want to feel the warmth on my face,
light-in darkness,
lift me up from here.
Give me your wings,
to flee from my ivory tower.

Male Vocal:
As I enter the portal,
I feel the enchantment
The stars above are lying at my feet.
Female Vocal:
Come near me,
enter my private chambers,
I want to feel the warmth on my face,
light-in darkness,
lift me up from here.
Give me your wings,
to flee from my ivory tower.

I hope you enjoy this masterpiece from their early days....for my part I wish they would return to a darker more Gothic sound.....something rarely heard from them these days. If only they could combine this sound with the layered orchestral sonicscapes of their classic "The Silent Force" album; would there then be a symphonic gothic metal band to compare to them?

Until next time dear readers....