10 Facts About Evanescence That You Didn’t Know
Evanescence is one of the most successful and influential rock bands of the 21st century, with a unique blend of gothic, alternative, metal, and symphonic elements.
The band, led by the charismatic and talented vocalist Amy Lee, has sold over 25 million albums worldwide and won two Grammy Awards. But how much do you really know about Evanescence? Here are 10 facts about the band that you might not have heard before.
1. Evanescence was founded by teenagers in a Christian youth camp
The origin story of Evanescence dates back to 1995, when Amy Lee and Ben Moody met at a summer camp for Christian youth in Little Rock, Arkansas. They bonded over their love of music and started writing songs together.
Amy Lee and Ben Moody recorded three EPs as a duo in the late 90s, and a demo CD called Origin in 2000. They also performed at local venues and gained a loyal fan base.
2. Evanescence was initially promoted as a Christian band
When Evanescence signed with Wind-up Records in 2002, the label decided to market them as a Christian band, hoping to appeal to a large and loyal audience. The band’s first single, “Bring Me to Life”, was played on Christian radio stations, and the song “Tourniquet” topped the charts of Christian rock.
However, Lee and Moody soon clarified that they were not a religious band, and that their lyrics were open to interpretation. They also faced backlash from some Christian fans who felt betrayed by their secular image.
3. Evanescence almost collaborated with Narnia
In 2004, Lee claimed that she was working on music for the movie adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but that her songs were rejected by the studio for being too dark.
However, the producers of Narnia denied that Lee was ever asked to compose any music for the film, and that they had hired Harry Gregson-Williams as the sole composer. Lee later said that she was misinformed by her management, and that she still loved the Narnia books.
4. Evanescence has gone through many lineup changes
Since its inception, Evanescence has seen many members come and go, with Lee being the only constant member. Moody left the band in 2003, citing creative differences and personal issues. He was replaced by Terry Balsamo, who co-wrote the second album, The Open Door, with Lee.
Balsamo suffered a stroke in 2005, which affected his ability to play guitar. He left the band in 2015, along with Jen Majura, who joined in 2015 as well. The current lineup consists of Lee, Tim McCord (bass), Troy McLawhorn (guitar), Will Hunt (drums), and Emma Anzai (guitar).
5. Evanescence has donated money to various causes
Evanescence has been involved in several charitable initiatives over the years. In 2010, they released a song called “Together Again” as a B-side of The Open Door, and donated all the proceeds from its sales to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
Moreover, in 2017, they performed at a benefit concert for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston. In 2020, they auctioned off some of their memorabilia to raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts.
6. Evanescence has two songs dedicated to Lee’s sister
Lee has a personal connection to two of Evanescence’s most emotional songs: “Hello” and “Like You”. Both songs are dedicated to her younger sister, Bonnie, who died at the age of three from an unidentified illness.
Lee wrote “Hello” as a way of coping with her grief, and “Like You” as a tribute to her sister’s memory. She rarely performs these songs live, as they are too painful for her.
7. Evanescence became independent artists in 2014
After years of being under contract with Wind-up Records, Evanescence finally parted ways with their label in 2014. Lee filed a lawsuit against Wind-up, seeking $1.5 million in unpaid royalties owed to the band.
She also accused the label of neglecting the band’s career and interfering with their creative freedom. In March 2014, Lee announced via Twitter that she and Evanescence had been released from their record label and were independent artists.
8. Evanescence has experimented with different musical styles
The band are known for their distinctive sound that combines rock, metal, gothic, and classical elements. However, they have also explored other genres and influences throughout their career.
Their third album, Evanescence (2011), incorporated more electronic and industrial elements, while their fourth album, Synthesis (2017), featured orchestral and electronic arrangements of their previous songs, along with two new tracks. Their fifth album, The Bitter Truth (2021), returned to their heavier and darker roots, while also incorporating some pop and folk elements.
9. Evanescence has won many awards and accolades
Evanescence has received critical and commercial acclaim for their music, as well as recognition from various awards and organizations. They have won two Grammy Awards, out of six nominations, for Best New Artist and Best Hard Rock Performance in 2004.
They have also won three Loudwire Music Awards, a Kerrang! Award, a Billboard Music Award, and a World Music Award, among others. Lee has also won several awards as a solo artist, such as the Songwriter Icon Award from the National Music Publishers Association, and the Best Vocalist Award from the Revolver Golden Gods.
10. Evanescence has influenced many artists and fans
Evanescence has inspired and influenced many artists and fans with their music, style, and message. Some of the artists who have cited Evanescence as an influence include Halestorm, Within Temptation, Nightwish, Paramore, Flyleaf, and Halsey.
Many fans have also expressed their gratitude to Evanescence for helping them cope with their struggles and emotions, and for empowering them to be themselves.
The Bottom Line
Evanescence is more than just a rock band. They are a cultural phenomenon that has left a lasting impact on the music industry and the world. Evanescence have overcome many challenges and changes, but they have never compromised their vision or integrity.
They have created a legacy of powerful and beautiful music that speaks to the hearts and souls of millions of people. They are Evanescence, and they are not afraid to be different. Check out Evanescence latest music video “Better Without You,” below: