Synthesis

Evanescence have grown up. Ending their six-year hiatus, the band’s fourth album is part best-of, part reimagining, with many of their greatest hits (and two new original tracks) rearranged and recorded afresh with orchestral instrumentation. Gorgeous new versions of tracks like “Bring Me to Life”, “My Immortal” and “Lithium” demonstrate a kind of gothic sophistication, while Amy Lee’s dramatic voice is as resonant as ever. Trading industrial distortion for strings and brass—on top of a few intriguing electronic embellishments—Synthesis is a perfect blend of nostalgia and style.