The Dutch sextet Within Temptation enters the "Unplugged" sweepstakes, with mixed success on An Acoustic Night At the Theatre For those of you not familiar with WT, they are one of the finest of the current crop of European progressive symphonic metal bands. Think Evanescence or Nightwish, but with a much better singer! The band, led by soprano Sharon den Adel and her partner, guitarist Robert Westerholt have captured imaginations and audiences in Europe, but only enjoy a cult following in the States.
Highlights of these stripped-down performances include the gorgeous, haunting "Frozen" and the powerful "Stand My Ground" on which den Adel's soprano voice sounds even more determined without the usual backup of a full choir, orchestra and heavy rock band. However, throughout An Acoustic Night, the bombast and swagger that defines WT's best moments are absent. Stripped of the dynamic power that makes them rock in the first place, the songs sound anemic.
The album is an eleven-song live set, plus one new track, ("Utopia", currently released as a single and featuring a duet with British singer Chris Jones.) An Acoustic Night at the Theatre is a worthy experiment, and a pleasant enough introduction for new fans, but as a Within Temptation album, it's better thought of as a tour memento. If you want a better introduction to this excellent band, check out their previous live album and DVD Black Symphony and their last three studio discs: Mother Earth, The Silent Force and The Heart of Everything.
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