Within Temptation
Follow Your Favorite Band Today!
Be the first one to follow Within Temptation!
Top Within Temptation Community Posts
Loading posts...
Sponsor content
Band Timeline
1996
Formation of Within Temptation
Within Temptation was founded in April 1996 in the Netherlands by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. After Westerholt left his previous band, The Circle, he collaborated with den Adel and other musicians to form a doom metal band initially called The Portal, which was then renamed to Within Temptation. The band quickly developed a symphonic metal identity with gothic elements, setting the foundation for their unique style. They signed with DSFA Records and began working on their debut album.
1997
Debut Album 'Enter' and Early Touring
Within Temptation released their debut album 'Enter' in 1997, showcasing a mix of doom and gothic metal influences. The album was well received in the Dutch underground scene, helping the band gain initial recognition. They supported the release with a national tour across the Netherlands with four gigs and performed at the prominent Dynamo Open Air festival. This was followed by their first international tour across Germany and Austria, marking the start of their expansion beyond their home country.
2000
Breakthrough with 'Mother Earth'
The band gained mainstream success in 2000 with the release of their second album 'Mother Earth.' The album's single 'Ice Queen' became a hit, reaching number two on the Dutch charts and bringing Within Temptation into the public eye. This success helped solidify their place in the symphonic metal scene. The album featured a more polished sound than their debut, combining gothic and symphonic metal elements, and broadened their audience significantly.
2004
International Success with 'The Silent Force'
In 2004, Within Temptation released their third studio album, 'The Silent Force,' which debuted at number one on the Dutch charts. The album's symphonic and gothic metal elements were enhanced with orchestral arrangements, further establishing their signature sound. 'The Silent Force' expanded their international appeal, earning critical acclaim and greater exposure outside the Netherlands. This period also saw the band winning the Conamus Exportprijs, a Dutch music award, multiple times, recognizing their international impact.
2007
Continued Success and 'The Heart of Everything'
Within Temptation released their fourth album, 'The Heart of Everything,' in 2007, which again debuted at number one on the Dutch charts. The album mixed symphonic and metal with more melodic and accessible elements that increased their popularity internationally. The band embarked on extensive tours, promoting the album worldwide and further cementing their status as one of the leading symphonic metal bands. Their sound evolved with a broader musical palette, attracting fans from various music genres.
2008
Live Album 'Black Symphony' and Orchestral Collaboration
In 2008, the band released 'Black Symphony,' a live album recorded with the prestigious Metropole Orchestra. The performances combined metal with orchestral music, showcasing the band's ambitious musical fusion and live presence. The album was a commercial and critical success, capturing the power of their live shows and symphonic arrangements. This project highlighted their ability to reinterpret their studio recordings in a dynamic live orchestral setting, appealing to both metal and classical music fans.
2009
Acoustic Exploration with 'An Acoustic Night at the Theatre'
Following their orchestral live album, Within Temptation explored their music in a different light with the 2009 release of 'An Acoustic Night at the Theatre.' This live album featured acoustic versions of their songs, emphasizing their melodic and lyrical qualities. The acoustic approach showcased the versatility of the band and their ability to reinvent their music in more intimate settings. It also highlighted their vocal and instrumental talent, reinforcing their artistic depth beyond typical metal conventions.
2011
Thematic Innovation with 'The Unforgiving'
In March 2011, Within Temptation released their fifth studio album, 'The Unforgiving,' marking a thematic and musical shift. The album was part of a transmedia narrative that included a comic book series and short films, creating a comprehensive storytelling experience. Musically, the band ventured beyond symphonic metal to incorporate new influences and styles, broadening their sound. This innovative approach demonstrated their willingness to experiment with multimedia to enhance their musical storytelling and engage fans in a unique way.
2014
Collaborations and Genre Expansion in 'Hydra'
The 2014 album 'Hydra' saw Within Temptation further exploring various musical styles and collaborating with diverse artists. Guests included Tarja Turunen from Nightwish, Howard Jones former vocalist of Killswitch Engage, Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum, and rapper Xzibit. These collaborations added new dimensions to the band's music, blending symphonic metal with elements of metalcore, alternative rock, and rap. 'Hydra' marked a period of experimentation and genre expansion, showcasing the band's adaptability and commitment to musical evolution.
2019
'Resist' and New Musical Directions
Released in February 2019, 'Resist' saw Within Temptation incorporating influences from industrial music and electronic dance music (EDM). The album represented a significant stylistic development, blending heavier metal elements with modern electronic sounds. This release illustrated the band's continuous evolution and willingness to push boundaries beyond traditional symphonic metal. The album's themes and sound resonated with a newer generation of listeners, maintaining relevance in the contemporary music landscape while preserving their core identity.
2023
Latest Album 'Bleed Out' with Modern Influences
Within Temptation's most recent studio album, 'Bleed Out,' was released on October 20, 2023. This album integrates influences from metalcore and djent genres, reflecting the band's ongoing exploration of modern metal subgenres. While embracing these fresh sounds, they also preserved elements of their original gothic metal roots. 'Bleed Out' exemplifies the band's commitment to innovation and artistic growth, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences, and continuing their legacy as pioneers in the symphonic metal genre.
Albums
Sponsor content
Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Ruud Adrianus Jolie
N/A
Mike Coolen
2011
Robert Westerholt
1996
Sharon den Adel
1996
Martijn Spierenburg
N/A
Jeroen van Veen
N/A
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Ivar de Graaf
1996
2002
Membranophone
Michiel Papenhove
1996
2001
Guitar
Ciro Palma
1998
1999
Drums (drum set)
Dennis Leeflang
1996
1996
Stephen van Haestregt
2002
2010
Story of Within Temptation
Within Temptation, the Dutch symphonic metal titans, emerged from the ashes of April 1996, forged by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. While often categorized as gothic and symphonic metal, their sound defies easy genre classification, showcasing a remarkable versatility and experimental spirit across their discography. Den Adel herself has described their music as atmospheric melodic symphonic metal/rock, acknowledging gothic elements while rejecting a purely gothic label.
Their 1997 debut, Enter, initially established them within the Dutch underground. However, it was their 2001 single "Ice Queen" from Mother Earth that catapulted them into the mainstream, reaching #2 on the Dutch charts. This success marked the beginning of their phenomenal run, culminating in an unprecedented five Conamus Exportprijs awards (four consecutive wins, and a fifth in 2016), solidifying their status as Dutch music royalty.
Sponsor content
Learn more about Within Temptation
