Evanescence – The Open Door (2006)
Artist: Evanescence
Album: The Open Door
Released: October 3, 2006
Label: Wind-up Records
Genre: Alternative metal, gothic rock, symphonic rock
Length: 54:15
Producer: Dave Fortman
Overview
The Open Door is the second studio album by Evanescence and the follow-up to their multi-platinum debut Fallen. Released after internal band changes—including the departure of co-founder Ben Moody—the album marked a turning point for the band, with Amy Lee taking full creative control.
The record showcases a darker, more orchestral and experimental direction. It emphasizes classical arrangements, layered choirs, dramatic string sections, and more personal songwriting. Compared to Fallen, the album leans further into gothic and symphonic elements while moving away from the rap-metal influences that defined early 2000s rock.
Album Credits
Band Members
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Amy Lee – lead vocals, piano, keyboards, harp
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Terry Balsamo – guitars
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Tim McCord – bass
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Will Hunt – drums (touring during era)
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Troy McLawhorn – guitar (touring)
Additional Musicians
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The Millennium Choir – choir vocals
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David Campbell – string arrangements
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Orchestral session musicians
Production
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Producer: Dave Fortman
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Mixing: Chris Lord-Alge
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Mastering: Ted Jensen
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Label: Wind-up Records
Tracklist
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Sweet Sacrifice
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Call Me When You’re Sober
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Weight of the World
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Lithium
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Cloud Nine
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Snow White Queen
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Lacrymosa
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Like You
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Lose Control
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The Only One
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Your Star
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All That I’m Living For
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Good Enough
Commercial Performance (Sales & Chart Success)
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Debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200
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Sold approximately 447,000 copies in its first week (U.S.)
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Sold over 6 million copies worldwide
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Reached Top 5 in several countries including the UK, Germany, and Australia
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“Call Me When You’re Sober” became a major international rock hit
Although it did not match the massive sales of Fallen, the album proved Evanescence was not a one-hit success.
Awards & Nominations
Grammy Awards
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Nominated: Best Hard Rock Performance (Sweet Sacrifice)
Other Recognition
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Multiple MTV Europe Music Awards nominations
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Kerrang! Award nominations
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Billboard Music Award nominations
The album was widely recognized for its artistic ambition and vocal performance.
Musical Direction & Themes
The Open Door features:
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More prominent live strings and choir arrangements
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Darker lyrical themes such as grief, independence, betrayal, and emotional healing
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Greater emphasis on classical and operatic influences
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More complex song structures and dynamic shifts
Songs like “Lithium” balance delicate piano melodies with explosive choruses, while “Lacrymosa” incorporates elements from Mozart’s Requiem in D minor. The closing track “Good Enough” presents a softer, romantic resolution compared to the heavier material earlier in the album.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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“Lacrymosa” is inspired by Mozart’s famous Requiem composition.
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“Call Me When You’re Sober” was written about Amy Lee’s breakup with Seether frontman Shaun Morgan.
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“Snow White Queen” addresses a real-life stalking experience.
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Amy Lee played harp on several parts of the album.
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Guitarist Terry Balsamo suffered a stroke during recording but recovered and completed his guitar work.
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“Lithium” was originally written years earlier but finalized for this album.
Did You Know?
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The album title symbolizes emotional freedom and opening oneself to new experiences.
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Amy Lee described the album as more personal and honest than Fallen.
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It debuted at #1 in multiple countries.
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The album marked a clear stylistic shift away from the male-vocal features used in Fallen.
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The orchestral elements were recorded with live musicians rather than relying solely on digital arrangements.
Critical Reception
Critics generally praised:
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Amy Lee’s vocal range and emotional intensity
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The album’s symphonic and gothic depth
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Its maturity compared to the debut
Some reviewers noted that the album was less radio-friendly and darker in tone, but many fans appreciated the artistic growth.
Album Rating
8.5/10
The Open Door stands as a bold, theatrical, and emotionally intense follow-up to Fallen. While less commercially explosive, it solidified Evanescence’s identity as a symphonic rock powerhouse and highlighted Amy Lee’s creative independence.
Download Evanescence Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
Evanescence - Evanescence (2011)
Evanescence - Synthesis (2017)
