Evanescence Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of 'Fallen' with a Remastered Edition

Two decades have passed since Evanescence released their debut album 'Fallen', and Amy Lee, the band's lead singer and co-founder, still vividly remembers the movie scene that shaped her musical journey. It was in 'Amadeus', the Oscar-winning film about Mozart, where the composer was shown playing the piano in a dramatic, upside-down fashion. Inspired at a tender age of eight, Lee aspired to be a brilliant and unconventional composer herself, drawing on the film's portrayal of Mozart's wild creativity and rule-breaking spirit.

An Early Start in Music

Amy Lee's passion for music was nurtured from a young age. Gifted piano lessons by her grandparents, she dedicated nine years to master the instrument. Music was a constant in her household, her father being a musician and working in radio. This exposed her to a range of musical influences, and as she grew older, she delved into the grunge and alternative scenes, developing a deep connection with bands like Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, and Soundgarden. The darker, more introspective tone of these genres resonated with Lee's personal experiences, particularly during the upheavals of moving frequently as a child.

The Formation of Evanescence

It was at the age of 13 that Lee's life took a significant turn when she met guitarist Ben Moody at a youth camp. Their shared love for music led to the creation of Evanescence, with Lee's classical influence and Moody's affinity for metal shaping the band's unique sound. Lee also began to channel her emotions into songwriting, transforming her 'dramatic journal entries' into melodies on the piano, despite finding the process somewhat embarrassing in retrospect.

The loss of her younger sister at the age of six and the emotional toll of constant relocations became central themes in Lee's songwriting, contributing to the melancholic nature of much of Evanescence's music. This is most evident in the song 'Hello' from the 'Fallen' album, penned in honor of her sister, where Lee's haunting vocals and lyrical depth reveal her heartfelt grief.

Global Success and 'Fallen's Impact

The release of 'Fallen' in 2003 catapulted Evanescence to global fame, with the album featuring hits like 'Bring Me to Life' and 'My Immortal'. It was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 17 million copies worldwide. The band's hard work and belief in their music were rewarded with a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance and the title of Best New Artist. The album's success surprised very few, least of all Lee who had always dreamed big.

Now, in celebration of 'Fallen's 20th anniversary, Lee and her team have collaborated with the album's original mastering engineer, Ted Jensen, to present a remastered edition. This special release includes acoustic versions, a new rendition of 'My Immortal', and unique demos, providing fans a rare glimpse into the album's creation process. Lee expresses her commitment to offering fans something truly valuable and different with this anniversary edition.

The re-release also honors the profound connection between Evanescence and their fans, many of whom have found solace and companionship in the music during challenging times. The album continues to hold a special place in the hearts of listeners, serving as a soundtrack across life's significant moments, from weddings to funerals.

The Legacy Continues

Two decades later, Amy Lee looks back with gratitude for the journey she's had with Evanescence. Acknowledging that the music has grown larger than herself or the band, she cherishes the shared experiences and emotional bonds the music has created with their fanbase. The re-release of 'Fallen' is not just a commemoration of a pivotal album, but a celebration of the lives it has touched and shaped.

Evanescence, Anniversary, Remastered