ARTIST: EVANESCENCE
ALBUM: SANCTUARY
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 5TH 2026
LABEL: SONY
“‘Hauntingly brutal’ and ‘stage-ready’—Sanctuary is the transformative chapter of Evanescence you didn’t see coming.”
Evanescence have returned with their 6th studio album “Sanctuary”. Three years in the making, This album will bring a huge element of surprise with it not having the usual lead up with multiple singles and videos. Only two tracks dropped before the album’s release, a rarity for the current musical landscape
When speaking of the album Amy Lee notes “I am so damn proud of every second of it. It’s overwhelming. Working on it has been my outlet for so much that feels wrong and out of control, and a place to ignite hope through the power of music and connection”.
Think of those words, ‘Hope’, ‘Power’, ‘Music’ and ‘Connection’ as you listen to the 12 tracks on this album, because when you get to the final note, they will resonate more than ever.
Starting things off is ‘The Beautiful Lie’ which is easily the best album opener I have heard in years. It’s hauntingly brutal and has the listener examining what is really real, and what lies we are made to believe. The vocal interplay with the keyboard/synths mesh so well together, and the lush production sets a tone
‘Tell Me When You’ve Had Enough’ is arena rock ready with plenty of hooks and massive choruses, its stage ready, and any one who has seen Evanescence live recently knows how much this band leaves on the stage. They take no prisoners. Oh, and the breakdown, damn.
‘Who Will You Follow’ and ‘About Us’ deliver a message with authority and anger. Lee has mentioned her feelings of frustration and hopelessness with the politics in her country, and this song feels like a rallying cry against it.
‘Rapture’ is a synth heavy rocker, full of twists and turns, which allows the vocals to really shine. As anyone who has followed the band knows, Amy Lee has one of the most amazing voices, and this track is a showcase for it.
‘Forever Without You’ is full of cascading dynamics that fall away as the song progresses, and with a lyric like “This is the last tear fallen, this is the last open door”, the words match the music
‘How Do I Heal’ is easily the most personal song on the album, and it’s amazing that Lee can still let so much out still so far into her career.
‘Calm Down’ is a bit of a departure for the band. Its electronic ambient vibes mixed with the crunching guitars and pounding drums, shouldn’t mix as well as they do, but they do, and it’s one of my favourites on the album
‘Wide Open Heart’ closes the album, leaving the listener with hope. Hope for the future. Hope for love, and hope that if you open your heart to someone they will look after it
Sanctuary marks a transformative chapter for Evanescence, most notably with Emma Anzai making her studio debut, with long-time bassist Tim McCord transitioning to guitar to flank Troy McLawhorn. This foundation anchored by Anzai and veteran drummer Will Hunt, reclaims a sense of raw power and driving energy that had sometimes been softened by the band’s previous symphonic leanings.
The album is dramatic and cinematic. It seamlessly blends electronic elements with hard-hitting rock, resulting in a sound that is contemporary yet unmistakably Evanescence. Working with producers like Nick Raskulinecz, Zakk Cervini and Jordan Fish, means all the bases are covered in terms of style and feel and the musical partnerships on this album are stronger than stone.
Sanctuary Track List:
1. Beautiful Lie
2. Tell Me When You’ve Had Enough
3. Who Will You Follow
4. Rapture
5. Afterlife
6. Sanctuary
7. How Do I Heal
8. About Us
9. Calm Down
10. Self Destruct
11. Forever Without You
12. Wide Open Heart
