Evanescence's Imperfection Strikes a Perfect Chord.

Evanescence essentially had me at "Bring Me To Life" back in the early aughts. Amy Lee, given her goth styled persona, honestly does have a voice that could wake the dead. Everything about the song made for a killer introduction to how seriously the band kicks ass. The guitar playing cooks, the lyrics are foreboding, and Amy cuts through the clutter like the pro she is. Here in 2017 a new album, "Synthesis" is slated for release really soon and I couldn't be more pumped up about it. If I may be so bold, I think Amy's one of the top 50 female vocalists of all time. What sets her apart from the distaff crowd is that her vocal style betrays a real maternal protective instinct that comes from a rough edged soulful place. You can hear it full on in "My Immortal". They sort of toned down the creepiness so radio wouldn't get turned off by it but the pure CD version gets you reaching for a light switch because you wouldn't want to be left alone in the dark with it. "Synthesis" starts off with one of the most generous opening piano solos I think I've ever had the good fortune to hear. Is that all? We're getting a style change-up consisting of power ballad parlor tricks? Patience my friends. Amy's got your need for explosiveness within easy reach. Boy is it pulverizing. In 2017 the Little Rock band has in fact added layers of complexity to its bulldozer intensity. "Imperfection" operates at a midtempo level which gives it time to worm its way into your bloodstream until you've gotten a virus you want no cure from. Lyrics point to desperate pleading as is evidenced by "Don't you dare surrender. Don't you dare leave me here without you cause I could never replace your perfect imperfection." The only head scratcher I can make out is, "Don't look now but the little girl's got a grenade." Way to get all military strategist on us but what was the point? Despite this left turn "Imperfection" shows Amy at her very best, voice cued up to stun, cross to bear sticking out of her pocket. Will Hurt's drums incite one to gulp one's throat in dread. Troy McLawhorn's lead guitar digs under the surface of Amy's impassioned delivery. Relative newbie Jen Majura holds on in the rhythm guitar department. Will Boyd's bass is the final delectable nail in this inviting rock coffin. You'll need strong coffee to keep up with this tune. It clocks in at 6 minutes and 40 seconds. That might make it a bit unreachable for radio programmers who want to add some bite to their playlists. To you and I that shouldn't matter. Evanescence remains captivating some 16 years after its inception. "Imperfection" reveals not a chink in the armor.