Once the innovators of the fem-metal genre, as the years go by, the Dutch seem to grasp at each similar minded outfit that garners more attention. It’s the province of lazy reviewers to compare Within Temptation to bands like Evanescence or Nightwish simply because all three feature female lead singers. Yet, despite the lengthiest tenure of the trio and Sharon den Adel does possess a unique timbre (particularly for lullabyes), there’s no denying that ‘Shot In The Dark’ inhabits similar vocal territory as the American’s Amy Lee and her forceful chorus for ‘In The Middle Of The Night’ could be mistaken for Anette Olzon. Hell, the start to ‘Murder’ recalls Alanis Morissette (anyone remember her?). Otherwise, the eleven cuts bear the unique With Temptation hallmark, (although ‘Why Not Me’ is nothing more than an opening, voiceover intro): plenty of orchestral elements and synthesized strings throughout.

The booklet and artwork are comicbook style, each song part of the accompanying story. There is a 60 minute DVD available with the limited edition.