The Heart Of Everything (CD)

The Heart Of Everything, Within Temptation's latest offering, is a symphonic collection of '80s influenced metal presented with a twist of lime and a modern alternative rock flair. Even though many of the songs are interchangeable, the disc will surprise a lot of first time listeners. Den Adel and her mates don't just retread old-school metal riffs, they transform them into something relevant to today's hightop wearing, big hair flowing headbangers (yes, they still exist).

The last few years have been kind to metal; older acts like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest have enjoyed a resurgence, which is good news for the likes of Within Temptation. Fans need look no further than the first two tracks to the hear a Maiden and Priest influence. "The Howling," with its bone rattling guitars and swirling orchestration, and "What Have You Done," an eardrum numbing cut that bounces between loud and soft, have a clear British metal stamp on them.

Within Temptation have watched their audience grow steadily over the last few releases, but The Heart Of Everything is the album that will finally raise their profile in America. Songs like "The Cross," a slow building track with haunting strings and tortuous guitar riffs, and "Frozen," a power-metal ballad that features some fine operatic vocals by Den Adel, are infectious pieces. The title track is a bombastic number with a strangled arrangement featuring razorblade riffage, more strings, and Den Adel's glass shattering singing.

As hard as it is to imagine, songs like the imposing "All I Need" and the hypnotic "Forgiven" have shades of Enya in them (yes, Enya). Both tracks incorporate the layered instrumental techniques that have made Enya an international superstar. The ethereal production complements Den Adel's buoyant vocals. The disc closes with an extended version of "What Have You Done," the album's best overall composition. Former Life Of Agony vocalist Keith Caputo appears on both versions.

If you like your heavy metal tempered with operatic vocals and symphonic sounds, then Within Temptation is the band for you.