Things are not always what they appear, or maybe they are exactly as they appear. This seems to be the main theme of the new band Evanescence and their first album, Fallen. At first glance of the gothic appearance of the lead singer, Amy Lee, on the cover of the album, one would never think that the band would carry Christian overtones in their music. Even from just overhearing the album, the heavy "Linkin Park with a chick" sound would not necessarily prompt one to assume that the album contains Christian themes. For those reasons, it is very surprising that Fallen began to climb the Christian music charts. A deep analysis of the album, though, does seem to show blatant Christian themes and messages in the lyrics.

In a final twist, however, it turns out that the band actually is as it appears — not Christian at all. This information surprised not only the fans of the band and the Christian music industry, who very much promoted the band. It also surprised Evanescence's label, Wind-Up records — home of the well known and Christian associated band Creed, as well as many other bands, both secular and Christian.

Wind-Up recently recalled all of the Fallen albums from Christian chains after lead guitar for Evanescence, Ben Moody told Entertainment Weekly, "We're actually high on the Christian charts, and I'm like, `What the f@*^ are we even doing there?'"

Although the band is said to have come up through the Christian market after agreeing to be sold in that market, "amassing a loyal following of fans," they are now "backing away from their faith background."

So who and what are Evanescence? Their album doesn't given any clear answer regarding the situation.

The sound of Evanescence is undeniably unique and very strong. Lead singer Amy Lee has a very powerful voice that resounds throughout every song on the album. The music style is varied throughout the album, creating a very developed sound that is definitely unique enough to define Evanescence. The credibility of the music alone is clear. A collection of mostly heavy rock songs, "My Immortal" and "Hello" shine as well as strong ballads crooned by the beautiful solo voice of Lee. The lyrics however are what create the mystery that currently surrounds Evanescence.

Fallen is very strong lyrically throughout the entirety of the album, but if the lyrics aren't supposed to apply to some sort of spiritual element, then perhaps the lyrics are severely miswritten. From lines in "Tourniquet" saying, "My God my tourniquet / return to me salvation," to lines in "Taking Over Me" that proclaim, "I believe in you / I'll give up everything just to find you / I have to be with you to live to breathe / your taking over me," the message that Evanescence is trying to convey seems blatant. In fact, every song on Fallen, in at least some way, is relatable to Christian themes.

Fallen is extremely well done musically, and while a bit conventional in music style, the female lead vocalist is a terrific twist that gives Evanescence a sound belonging only to them. But who do Evanescence belong too? Unwilling to bridge the secular and Christian music worlds, Evanescence may need to consider rewriting their songs. The new and different band that seemed to have a very clear purpose has now landed themselves in a very murky puddle of questioning fans. Who is Evanescence or better said who is it that they think they are?

Contact Becca Saunders at saunders.8@nd.edu

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