Evanescence

Formed by lead singer Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody in 1995, the duo had met a year earlier at a youth camp in Little Rock, Arkansas. Lee and Moody subsequently began writing and recording songs together, which included the early tracks “Solitude”, “Give Unto Me”, “Understanding”, and “My Immortal”. A couple of these songs found their way onto local radio, following which the pair performed their first live show and settled on the name Evanescence. In 1998 the band released their debut self-titled EP, limited to a hundred copies, followed a year later by the EP “Whisper”.

Later in 1999 Evanescence invited keyboard player and drummer David Hodges to expand the lineup, who recorded on the band’s debut album “Origin” in 2000. Evanescence subsequently signed with Wind-up Records, who relocated the band to Los Angeles and gave them living and rehearsal space on top of vocal and acting classes. After two years, in which time drummer Rocky Gray, rhythm guitarist John LeCompt, and bassist Will Boyd were added to the lineup, the band completed their label debut.

Featuring Dave Fortman on production duties, Evanescence released “Fallen” in March 2003, becoming one of the year’s most successful albums. Debuting at No. 7 however rising to No. 3 on the Billboard 200, the gothic-inspired, metal crunching, climatic-pop release secured five Grammy nominations of which the band won Best New Artist and Best Hard Rock Performance. The record was led by the smash hit single “Bring Me to Life”, which charted in over 15 countries and secured platinum certification. The album transformed Evanescence into an internationally recognised group, and was supported by an extensive worldwide tour.

Following the supporting tour bassist Will Boyd left the group to spend time with his family, with former Revolution Smile guitarist Tim McCord taking his place. The band’s official sophomore album, “The Open Door”, was released in October 2006 and eclipsed the success of their debut by topping the U.S. Billboard 200. Led by the single “Call Me When You’re Sober”, the album earned a string of positive reviews and was once again supported with relentless touring.

In 2011 Evanescence returned from touring and time out to released their self-titled, third studio album. Once again topping the Billboard 200, the record is seen as a cohesive, creative, and progressive album for the group which lends infleunces from gothic rock, nu metal, and electro. Spanwing the singles “What You Want”, “My Heart is Broke”, and “Lost in Paradise”, the record’s supporting tour was alongside The Pretty Reckless and Fair to Midland.