Written: October 2024
I first came to know of Within Temptation around the time Mother Earth was released and having acquired their first two albums, I was quickly ensnared by their compelling blend of gothic, symphonic and Celtic metal. In fact, such was my desire to see them perform live, I travelled to the Netherlands to see them perform before they had even played my native UK. Since then, I have seen them several times in the UK and once more in the Netherlands again.
This ranking focuses on the full length studio albums and as such does not include EPs or stand alone singles. I fully appreciate that when and how we are introduced to a band, particularly in relation to the stage any band is at in their career, can have a profound impact on how we rank albums and the place they hold in our hearts. As you read this article, you will see that my views fall (almost) into two parts which divide the top five albums and the bottom three.
The hardest part of this ranking was the albums from third to fifth (my top two are set in stone) such is the slender gap between them in terms of my appreciation. I will also add that I am not a rock / metal fan that deserts or admonishes bands simply because newer material does not sound like earlier outings (I am big fan of all eras of Architects, Rush and Opeth for example). However, anyone would be hard pressed to convince me that the albums ranked in the bottom three are superior in quality, memorability or staying power as the top five.
Remember, rankings are purely subjective and this is just for fun! Feel free to add your own rankings and comments at the end!
8) Hydra (2014)
After The Unforgiving, my expectations of the next Within Temptation remained high. However, Hydra, while appearing ambitious in scope, suffers from a noticeable absence of direction, resulting in a disjointed listening experience. The fragmentation is particularly evident in the overuse of guest singers, which, rather than enhancing the album, detracts from its unity. Sharon den Adel continues to sound incredible but the music is flat and characterless. Although The Unforgiving continued to explore the band’s more commercial sound, the concept and songwriting gave the album a far superior cohesion. Apart from the occasional glimpse (on Tell Me Why for example), Hydra misses the power and emotional intensity of any of their earlier work and the overly polished production, strips away any edge that some of the songs may have salvaged. Easily my least played of their albums, I actually had to go back to it again to decide on my three favourite tracks as so much time has passed since my last listen.
Three favourite tracks: Let Us Burn, Silver Moonlight, Tell Me Why
7) Bleed Out (2023)
Although in no way fully recapturing the glory of earlier albums, Resist was a step in the right direction after the disappointment of Hydra. However, Bleed Out, which (as an entire album at least) was marred by the release of seven of the eleven tracks as singles over a three year period, with the band eventually deciding to collate these and four other tracks on an album. In many areas of the press, this album received positive reviews but I find it, once again, suffers from a lack of variety, uninspiring lyrics and poor production choices - there are moments during which Sharon seems muffled and lost. Yes, there are some interesting melodies but the guitars are often lost in the mix and the drums, buried under layers of effects, have a paucity of the organic punch that could have driven the songs forward with more energy and clarity.
Three favourite tracks: We Go To War, Bleed Out, Unbroken
6) Resist (2019)
After the lacklustre insipidity of Hydra, Resist – although not a complete success - showed some signs that the band could recover from such a misstep. Without ever threatening the top five of this ranking, Resist does aim to recapture some of the band’s heavier approach to their music while maintaining the direction they were pursuing at the time. The glossy production values remain and there are times when even three guitarists cannot muster much more than elementary riffs. For other bands, the album might be perfectly serviceable but for me, Resist fails (Sharon’s vocals aside) to consistently and convincingly capture the character and soul which first made me fall in love with the band. I commend them for wanting to explore different musical avenues and although this was somewhat of a recovery after Hydra, sometimes even our favourite artists begin a new journey we cannot completely follow.
Three favourite tracks: Firelight, Mad World (Sharon’s utterly irritating whoop (or whatever it is) a few seconds in aside, Trophy Hunter
5) The Unforgiving (2011)
From here on, I consider every album to be excellent or a true classic. Such is the jump in quality from Resist to The Unforgiving in this ranking that it is a shame I can only place this one step higher in my list. With a well devised concept both lyrically and visually (I still have those graphic comics somewhere!), The Unforgiving allowed the band to combine symphonic metal, heavy rock and even elements of pop rock. However - while undoubtedly more commercial than what came before - what allows this to rise above the likes of Hydra and Resist is the consistent level of songwriting, atmosphere and the rewards gained from repeated listens. The guitar solos are more memorable than anything from the albums ranked 6-8; Sharon den Adel continues to make use of the full range of her voice. Uncomplicated and forthright in places it may be but it remains thoroughly engrossing.
Three favourite tracks: Shot In The Dark, Iron, Murder
4) Enter (1997)
As the only truly gothic metal influenced album of the band’s career, Enter is somewhat of an outlier in their discography. Nevertheless, its tapestry of dark, atmospheric soundscapes interwoven with powerful metal riffs and ethereal melodies creates an immersive listening experience that captivates from start to finish. I heard this album at the same time as Mother Earth (having obtained both albums at the same time) and the differences between the two are obvious. Never again would Robert Westerholt’s growls be quite as dark or edgy but here they enhance the dynamic interplay between beauty and aggression. It is difficult to believe the album is approaching its thirtieth anniversary but its diverse performances, compelling songwriting, stunning solos (Restless chief among them) and intricate musical structures make it an essential part of any fan’s collection.
Three favourite tracks: Restless, Enter, Gatekeeper
3) The Silent Force (2004)
The Silent Force, marks a significant evolution in Within Temptation’s musical odyssey, showcasing a bold shift from the folk-influenced symphonic metal of their previous album, Mother Earth. Standing as a testament to the band’s growth, both in terms of musical complexity and expressive depth, it rocketed them towards the top of the symphonic metal genre. The heightened emphasis on orchestral and choral elements are seamlessly integrated with their signature sound. The opening instrumental (glorious vocalisations aside) sets the stage and across the album, Sharon’s voice, already known for its ethereal qualities, takes on a new level of intensity and versatility. The variety of material allows her to highlight her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from resilience and defiance to vulnerability and longing. Also of note, is the exceptional quality of the B’ Sides the band were producing at the time, including Jane Doe and Say My Name, either of which could have found a place on the album.
Three favourite tracks: Intro / See Who I Am, Stand My Ground, It’s The Fear
2) Mother Earth (2000)
For many music fans, the album that makes you a fan of any band or singer retains a special place in our affections. Such is the case for me with Mother Earth. It is the album that truly defined the band’s sound blending symphonic metal, gothic rock and folk influences. The album is meticulously crafted, with each track showcasing a high level of attention to detail. Featuring several fan favourites, it continues to resonate with long time fans and new listeners alike due to its innovative sound, beguiling melodies and emotional depth. I consider myself extremely lucky to have seen the band in their home country during this tour and the memory of seeing them play songs from their earliest albums remains with me to this day. Theatrical, ghostly and celestial.
Three favourite tracks: Ice Queen, The Promise, Deceiver Of Fools
1) The Heart of Everything (2007)
The fact I still regularly play and fully enjoy the albums from fifth to second in this ranking demonstrates just how highly I value The Heart of Everything. The culmination of the band’s blend of styles, the instrumentation and powerful thematic elements makes it the most complete and impressive work in their discography. The album seamlessly traverses various musical landscapes, from the heavy, guitar-driven intensity of tracks like The Howling and Our Solemn Hour to the more melodic and symphonic pieces such as Hand of Sorrow and Forgiven. This diversity not only showcases the band's versatility but also keeps us fully engaged throughout. Their masterpiece.
Three favourite tracks: The Howling, Hand Of Sorrow, All I Need
Listen to my Within Temptation Through the Years playlist featuring my three favourite songs from each album in chronological order (with a few bonus B' Sides thrown in).