Evanescence is back with a brand new album. This could be their biggest one yet.
Evanescence is back baby! And need we say any more?
It has been more than two decades since their banger Fallen turned the band into one of rock’s legendary names. And now, they are entering a new era. Their new album Sanctuary arrives on June 5 and we cannot be more excited.
Amy Lee Opens Up About Growth, Honesty, and Why Music Still Feels Like a Safe Place
According to frontwoman Amy Lee, what shaped the themes of this record is the tension and uncertainity looming over the world right now
Speaking about the album’s title, Lee explained that Sanctuary represents a place of comfort and honesty during uncertain times.
“It’s a sanctuary, not an escape from this chaotic, surreal, violent time, but escape from the lies,” she said. “It is a sanctuary of truth—and community.”
That idea runs throughout the album, particularly on the new single “Who Will You Follow,” a track that talks about misinformation and the struggle to find what is genuine in a world overflowing with various opinions from all kinds of people.
“It’s about something. God—It’s where we’re at. It’s about, what is real? Breaking through the lies,” Lee said.
She expanded on that thought, adding, “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.”
For longtime fans, Sanctuary will also highlight Lee’s growth as a songwriter. Looking back at Evanescence’s breakthrough era, she sees a clear difference between who she was then and who she is now.
“When I was in my 20s and we were doing Fallen, the music was very introverted because I was looking in,” she explained. “As you go through life and you have experience, you have to look out.”
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This change of perspective is what gives Sanctuary its selling point. While the album still carries the band’s signature intensity, its themes feel larger and more connected to the reality people are living in today.
Inside Amy Lee’s Creative Process
Lee also mentioned how writing the album was far from easy. She opened up about spending months buried in the lyrics, searching for the right words to match the music’s intensity.
“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,” she said.
For Lee, words hold a lot of power than we give them credit for. She views them as a way to cut through noise and communicate something meaningful through her art.
“The lyrics are kind of the thing where I feel like they matter more than ever,” she added.
A Fresh Energy Behind the Scenes
Another thing that makes Sanctuary stand out is the team and the creative force behind it. Evanescence worked with longtime collaborator Nick Raskulinecz while also bringing in producer Jordan Fish (ex-Bring Me The Horizon) and mixer-producer Zakk Cervini.
“We’ve worked with some incredible people this time around,” Lee said. “So as a team, being in there with them and creating these songs, we just had a huge creative burst.”
This collaboration turned out to be a game-changer for this new record. It gave the band what Lee describes as “a new energy,” helping shape a record that feels both like the Evanescence fans have known but also refreshing.
Fans eager to hear the album won’t have to wait until release day. Evanescence have announced a virtual listening party on June 3 through the Volume platform, giving listeners an early chance to experience Sanctuary before it officially arrives on June 5 (Volume.com). The playback wil also be followed by a live Q&A with the band.
