Earlier this month, Evanescence released its first new single in five years when they released “Who Will You Follow” when announcing their new album Sanctuary. It’s their sixth studio album and the follow up to 2021’s The Bitter Truth, so it’s got a lot riding on it for the band.
During a recent interview with Audacy Music (as transccribed by Blabbermouth), Evanescence’s Amy Lee explained to Kevin Ryder the meaning behind both the track and the album’s title. More specifically, it’s about the atmosphere of deceit that exists in the world today.
“It’s about something. God — it’s where we’re at. It’s about, what is real? Breaking through the lies. I feel like we are just inundated with so much information now, with people that have a stake in what we believe, and it feels like truth is for sale. And so this for me is kind of — this is about breaking through that into the real world.
“And the album, it’s called Sanctuary. It’s like that — it’s a sanctuary, not an escape from this chaotic, surreal violent time, but escape from the lies, saying that we’re not living in that crazy time. It is a sanctuary of truth — and community.”
As for the album, Sanctuary reflects how the music isn’t an escape from reality’s insanity, but rather a safe harbor for anyone looking for one.
“Moving from the song to the album, I just feel like this music is a sanctuary for me — it has been. It is every time. Last time we made an album, it was the pandemic hitting all around us at the same time and kind of wondering what’s next and how do we go on tour, and will things ever be normal again? And I think when we’re in these big — in my life — powerful and painful and difficult moments, and also in the outside world, going through these wild moments where we feel like we don’t have control and things are slipping through our fingers, the music is a place for me to be able to say anything — no censorship, no holding back. Nobody’s telling me I can’t — anything. It’s our world, and it just feels so beautiful also to give somebody else something that gives them joy.”
In addition to the single and album talk, Lee spoke about the lyrics she contributed this time around. During the chat, she discussed where the words to this new album’s songs originated from and how this album in particular impacted her as an artist.
“I feel like I have been just in this lyric cave of my mind, like an animal busting out of a cage this whole year until very recently when I finally got it all done. I don’t know — I kind of have to go underground to get all of it, especially this time. The lyrics are kind of the thing where I feel like they matter more than ever.
“It’s all been happening kind of random, but the vocals are one of the last things to get thrown down. As we’re building the songs, I have lyrics, I have bits, I have the point, we’ve got the center of of most of things. But it’s, like, ‘Cool, cool, cool. I’ll write that verse later.’ And then it comes down to it. It’s, like, you really gotta write it and it’s gotta be epic, ’cause at this point the music sounds killer.”
Sanctuary will be released on June 5 via BMG, but you can preorder your copy today.
The post Evanescence’s Amy Lee Says Latest Single Reflects Modern Times: “It Feels Like Truth is for Sale” appeared first on MetalSucks.
