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| Within Temptation | |
|---|---|
| Name | Within Temptation |
| Origin | Wageningen, Netherlands |
| Genres | Symphonic metal, Gothic metal, Alternative rock |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Labels | DSFA Records, Roadrunner Records, Scarlet Records |
| Associated acts | Delain, Epica, Nightwish, Evanescence |
Within Temptation Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic metal band formed in Wageningen in 1996. Led by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt, the group achieved international success with albums released through DSFA Records and Roadrunner Records, touring with acts such as Nightwish and Evanescence and performing at festivals including Wacken Open Air and Download Festival.
The band was founded in Wageningen by Sharon den Adel and Robert Westerholt after Westerholt's involvement with local scenes connected to Guitarist scenes in the Netherlands and contacts from Gothenburg metal networks. Early lineups included musicians from Dutch groups tied to Within Temptation's regional peers and they recorded a demo that led to a contract with DSFA Records. Their debut studio album attracted attention across Europe, leading to tours with The Gathering, Anathema, and shared bills with Type O Negative and Paradise Lost. Subsequent albums expanded their reach into markets dominated by Roadrunner Records and saw collaborations with members of Epica, Delain, and guest appearances linking to artists associated with Evanescence and Rammstein. Major festival slots at Wacken Open Air, Download Festival, Pinkpop, and Graspop Metal Meeting solidified their profile, while headline tours visited venues promoted by organizations like Live Nation and AEG Presents. Lineup changes involved musicians from projects connected to Within Temptation's extended network, with members departing to join or form acts associated with Within Temptation alumni. The band's releases charted in countries such as Germany, United Kingdom, United States, France, and Australia, and they engaged producers known for work with Metallica, Muse, and Depeche Mode-adjacent engineers.
Their music blends elements of Symphonic metal, Gothic metal, and Alternative rock, drawing influences from bands like Nightwish, Within temptation peers, Evanescence, Type O Negative, and Anathema. Arrangements often incorporate orchestral elements reminiscent of collaborations found in works by Dimmu Borgir and orchestral producers who have worked with Metallica on symphonic projects. Vocal approaches by Sharon den Adel echo techniques used by singers from Evanescence and Within Temptation-era contemporaries in Gothic metal and Opera crossover performers who have collaborated with acts such as Il Divo and Sarah Brightman. Guitar work shows lineage from Gothenburg metal melodic sensibilities associated with In Flames and Soilwork, while rhythm sections reflect production trends shared with Muse and Rammstein projects. Lyrical themes overlap with narratives found in albums by Anathema, Paradise Lost, and Within Temptation's peers addressing mythology, existentialism, and cinematic storytelling similar to concept albums by Ayreon and Nightwish.
Current and past personnel have connections to European metal and rock scenes, including collaborations and shared lineups with musicians from Epica, Delain, Ayreon, and Within Temptation's extended circle. Founding members Sharon den Adel and Robert Westerholt remain central, with touring and studio contributions from instrumentalists who have worked with Within Temptation-adjacent acts and session players associated with Metallica producers, Dimmu Borgir contributors, and musicians active on festivals like Wacken Open Air and Download Festival. Former members joined or formed groups linked to Delain, Within Temptation-related projects, and other European bands that toured in tandem with Nightwish, Evanescence, Within Temptation's peers. Guest vocalists and orchestra contractors have included artists associated with Epica, Anneke van Giersbergen, and performers from Dutch National Opera and ensembles that collaborate with rock acts.
Studio albums charted across Europe and beyond, with releases that found placement on charts in Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, and the United States. Notable albums were produced in studios frequented by artists such as Metallica, Muse, and Depeche Mode collaborators and were distributed by labels like DSFA Records, Roadrunner Records, and Scarlet Records. Releases included singles that received airplay on radio networks tied to festivals like Download Festival and Pinkpop and were featured on compilations alongside tracks from Nightwish, Evanescence, Within Temptation's contemporaries, and artists from Symphonic metal and Gothic metal scenes.
The band has headlined European tours and supported major international acts including Nightwish, Evanescence, Rammstein, and Muse. Festival appearances encompass Wacken Open Air, Download Festival, Pinkpop, Graspop Metal Meeting, Hellfest, and Tuska Open Air. They have played venues promoted by Live Nation, AEG Presents, and regional promoters in Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and Belgium. Live productions have incorporated orchestras and choirs akin to those used by Dimmu Borgir and Nightwish and featured stagecraft reminiscent of major touring productions from Rammstein and Muse.
Recognition includes awards from institutions and ceremonies within Netherlands and international metal circles, with nominations and wins at events tied to publications and broadcasters in Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium, and France. Accolades came from industry bodies similar to those awarding Edison Award and festival honors at Wacken Open Air and national music prize organizations across Europe. Peer recognition involved collaborations and endorsements from artists such as Nightwish, Evanescence, Epica, and producers associated with Metallica and Muse.
Category:Dutch symphonic metal bands