Song Review: "Aquarius" by Within Temptation.

Well to continue the mini Sea theme that has been developing here of late (see the reviews for "The Lovers" by Forever Slave and "The Siren" by Nightwish), today's featured song is "Aquarius" by Within Temptation. Aquarius the water bearer. This song manages to combine the mystery and majesty of the sea itself. Gentle orchestral lines open this song which is soon complimented by a suitably ethereal vocal intro by the band's singer Sharon den Adel and joined by the full orchestra and the rest of the band. The lyrics are the story of a woman who is hypnotised by the wild, untamed power of the Sea itself....and the Aquarian Spirit which the Sea embodies. The Sea holds a hypnotic and seductive power over the song's protagonist.....who is aware that the power of the Sea and its ruling Spirit could overwhelm as easily as it could embrace. The song switches back and forth between power and gentleness with a constant dangerous but not menacing or sinister tone. The music and lyrics go together superbly and I cannot recommend this song highly enough to those who like their Gothic metal with a very orchestral edge.

Here is a video with lyrics I found on YouTube. The song is from the album "The Silent Force" - album which contains many fine songs and remains in the eyes of many fans the pinnacle of the band's work to date.

"You the Sea, set me free".....indeed.....I've a feeling the nautical theme shall be around for a day or two yet.....apologies for my indulgence here. Ah "The Demeter" approaches Whitby......

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....