Evanescence’s new single, “Afterlife,” turns raw emotions into a sonic landscape. With lyrics co-written by Amy Lee and Alex Seaver of Mako and co-produced by Nick Raskulinecz and Alex Seaver, it is a forceful synthesis of the group’s gothic rock heart and a cinematic thrum primed for Netflix’s upcoming Devil May Cry animated series.
From its opening notes, “Afterlife” transports you to another world, making it a perfect fit for the dark, supernatural world of the iconic Capcom franchise. Soaring over rumbles of heavy instrumentation, Lee’s voice, so haunting yet commanding, spins a story of fate and darkness and the fine line between good and evil. There’s an urgency in the song, a feeling of being caught between two realities, similar to Dante, the series’ legendary demon hunter, who is unwittingly at the center of a battle that could annihilate the human and demon worlds.
The production is lush and immersive, capturing the essence of Evanescence’s signature sound and fitting a more modern cinematic aesthetic. Seaver’s influence brings a new energy rooted in atmospheric textures and the band’s usual, brooding urgency. It’s a world unto itself, dragging the listener through the same dark, action-driven path Devil May Cry seems to promise.
What’s even more alluring about “Afterlife” is its alternative version, which will be interlaced through the Netflix series. It’s a strategic, even poetic, decision melding music and storytelling, ensuring Evanescence’s artistry is woven into the fabric of the Devil May Cry universe.
“Afterlife” is another reminder of why Evanescence is still something to contend with in rock music. It is constantly changing, but never at the expense of the unfiltered passion that made it hard to forget. For newcomers to the band, this might be the best entry point into their melodies and vast intrigue realm. With “Afterlife,” Evanescence evokes an experience one remains long after the last tone evaporates into shadow.
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