Dutch Goth Metal band Within Temptation was founded by Robert Westerholt and Sharon den Adel (lead vocalist) in 1996. In 1997 they released their first album 'Enter' which received an enthusiastic response from both the media and the public. In 2000, Within Temptation released their second album, 'Mother Earth'. Having heard 'Ice Queen' and 'Mother Earth' on the radio, I fell for the lyrics of the songs combined with the Den Adel's haunting voice and the strong metal beat. A couple of months after I purchased this album I went to see Within Temptation play live at the Wâldrock festival in 2002. By this time the cd had been a permanent resident in my car cd-player for quite some time since some of the songs have a pagan thread.
From the 'Mother Earth' album, three singles were released, 'Our Farewell', and consequentially 'Ice Queen' and 'Mother Earth'. The song 'Ice Queen' lead to Within Temptation's breakthrough with the main Dutch public. To this day, I consider 'Ice Queen' one of their best songs, perhaps because of the phenomenal vocals of Sharon den Adel combined with the fantastic show they put on at Wâldrock where tiny pieces of paper were blown into the audience as Sharon sang and the crowd shouted the lyrics to the song. I have fond memories of that day.
And now without further ado; 'Mother Earth', track by track:
- Mother Earth: If I had to write a hymn to Mother Earth, this would be it. The song shows how Mother Earth creates, her gentle side, and on the other hand we see her destructive power in the lyrics of this song. Den Adel's voice will stay with you for days after you've heard this song only once.
- Ice Queen: What can I say about this song? Remember the mean Queen Jadis in the Chronicles of Narnia? Well she is nothing compared to the raging monarch of cold winter in this song, she will cover the world in a breathtaking cloak of snow, but she will also bring freezing hell on earth. A great metal beat and fantastic vocals.
- Our Farewell: One of the few slow songs on this album, beautiful, yet it rips into you and leaves an open wound. You need to know, what happened and why? One of the lines is 'There's nothing but silence now'. And it makes you wonder; is it a lost love, or a loved one who has passed on? It could be either one, hence it's recognisable for everyone. Possibly my favourite song of the album, because of its heartbreaking ambiguous content.
- Caged: Another song of pain, though this one has a little more 'oomph' to it. A good metal beat and there is no question left in your mind as to why the singer feels caged at the time. Betrayed and wondering whether she should have seen it coming. Again, the lyrics are imbued with feelings we all know and can sympathise with.
- The Promise: The pain and sorrow seems to be a continuing theme on this particular cd. This song has the same theme, however, I can barely remember it. Looking at the lyrics I can't recall the melody, I guess it didn't impress me much.
- Never-ending Story: Another slow song, very melodic as well - a tale of how the world has survived wars, and so forth. Reminding us we're part of a bigger scheme, however the earth is our mother and she decides what happens to us. Personally, I would love to hear Den Adel do more of this melodic epic genre.
- Deceiver Of Fools: Yet again a song of betrayal, on how the deceiver of hearts will always find someone to 'feed' on, someone to give him or her power. I'm starting to think the author of the lyrics had his/her heart broken right before writing most of these songs... I'm seeing a pattern here.
- Intro: Instrumental and kind of in the wrong place... It could be just me.
- Dark Wings: Some of you may remember a song by 2 Unlimited entitled 'No Limits', unfortunately it was a big hit in Europe in the 90s. The only good thing I can say about the 2 Unlimited song is the following: it had a great beat. Where am I going with this? When you listen to 'Dark Wings' you'll know. The first beats are those of 'No Limits', but then it takes a turn for the better. Again, one of my favourites by Within Temptation; the lyrics are dark, and the twist of the music is just sensational. But that's just my humble opinion.
- In Perfect Harmony: The last song of the original album. The third slow song, a magickal tale of a young man raised by the forest, the king of the forest. Den Adel's vocals make this song what it is: fragile and melancholic for it is a sad tale, yet incredibly charming.