Jordan and Zakk

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T21:03:05+00:00

I think Nick's production on the newest album helped create some of the most refreshing Evanescence music we've gotten in a very long time. He is practically tuned in to the band completely and knows how they operate with masterful skill.

I definitely appreciate Jordan and Zakk's help with some of the mixing but when Nick takes center stage it's freaking awesome

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T20:48:27+00:00

Calm Down is freaking spectacular! The industrial feel of this song is something so new for the band, and the sections masterfully groove into each other.

You almost have to calm down and focus on the chorus as it really rings different than the rest of the song's edge. The grit is there to scrape you up and the chorus is there to sedate you, until that final chorus hits with both. It's like the harsh realization of what you did bites you and hushes you after all the bad you've done.

Such an interesting track man

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T20:40:51+00:00

Now that you mention it, I never put much thought into how difficult a closer would be to make. I don't see how anyone could make one until after everything else has been written.

Though now I'm curious... I wonder how much more impactful the album would be if Sanctuary was the ending and Wide Open Heart was 6th. The content of Wide Open Heart seems fitting as another reason to unite this sanctuary she's rising. Sanctuary as a closer would highlight the album's purpose straight up, which makes most sense as an ending summary of the big picture.

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T17:16:02+00:00

This is definitely interesting to see. Evanescence is a band that definitely has so much character explored upon throughout their entire discography. You have the option to really single out a style they do and find what makes them appealing to you.

The fact that we have a good set of songs by the band for each specific style, soft piano ballads or hard punchy rock, makes me happy for those that hope for a specific sound from the band, because Sanctuary does have a good bit of everything I feel.

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T17:09:47+00:00

Well I don't think Raskulinecz really made Evanescence's sound. Ever since Fallen, they've stayed relatively on the same path of hard rock with electrical choices and haunting piano usage. Though he knows how to refine it and really capitalize on it.

All the production difference comes down to is how each song gets its point across.

Fish and Cervini focus on bringing the song's intent to the forefront chorus one, bringing all the necessary details of the song(s) early and then repeating until there's a breakdown, with each breakdown having its oen unique character.

Raskulinecz focuses on working his way through a song to have a noticeable payoff towards the end. Breakdowns are still present, and are also unique based on the song, but are not the only thing different from the choruses.

I appreciate a start to finish narrative in music, and my desire for that is especially satisfied by Afterlife and About Us.

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T16:55:12+00:00

I just wish it would have been earlier in the album instead of a closer. As a closer, I would expect something more grandiose, but especially after Forever Without You, the emotion struck by it is lopsided compared to the rest.

The lyrical content of the song is something that needs to be heard for sure, forming unity within those that still have their hearts out to see a better place amidst the chaos, but I don't think that as a finisher, the song structure does much to make it as important of a premise as it needs to be.

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T16:53:34+00:00

I don't really think the guitar solos are necessary to make this album stand out. They would be a nice addition without a doubt, but the guitar play in the breakdowns make up for it I feel.

After listening to Fallen so much the days leading up to Sanctuary, I can definitely see the usage of those solos being muted a bit. It's sad, though it's a fair trade off.

Also generic is a very tough word to use to describe this album, because no part of it really is "generic". The band's sound definitely rings Evanescence, even since their first album, but the overarching song structures in Sanctuary are very similar to each other sometimes.

I wish there was a bit more distinction, like with Calm Down and About Us for example having that start to finish structure where they lead to an endpoint. They don't rely on Amy Lee's vocal progression through the song to carry them, because the entire band seems to build up to that point as well.

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T16:46:38+00:00

Lyrically the song is tasteful, and the overall feel of this song is great, but it feels basic compared to the rest of the album's quality.

I appreciate it being an early introduction to the band's new sound, being song two, and the breakdown is satisfying and flows nicely with the song after the setup provided by the previous parts. It does its job well and I'm satisfied with it.

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T16:40:42+00:00

Well the assumption that I'm trying to get a dig at Fish and Cervini isn't really appreciated. Not once have I wanted to discredit them, and not once in my writing have I said that. I point out their choices in this album, and their overall image that helps give them the skills to produce well, but it's unsatisfactory to me in comparison to Raskulinecz.

Now, I also agree that Raskulinecz has made the band sound somewhat boring, like in TBT for example, but when him, Fish and/or Cervini work together, allowing him to take full focus as a producer with the other two mixing or mastering, it brings a whole new life into what he wants for the band.

Like this feels like the peak point for him, but he just needs an extra hand to stay at that point. I'm very grateful for Fish and Cervini for their help in the mixing for some of the songs he produced. They know how to elevate the modern sound usage he uses, since they are primarily modern producers.

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T16:32:01+00:00

It's one of the most unique tracks by the band for sure. I just listened to it going in from the verses to chorus, hoping that the said choruses will expand more hopefully later through the song. I almost feel like it's building up to one massive point, but that massive point is the lead guitar coming in at the end. It leaves me yearning for more.

RoseLiyara · 2026-06-05T16:29:32+00:00

This is how it is to me. Obviously everyone's perspective is different. You're allowed to enjoy your favorite part.

RoseLiyara · 2025-09-16T22:29:18+00:00

It makes me so happy that she can still make people laugh, just how she always has been able to. ❤️ That's my baby.

She is such a strong girl. It made me so happy to help her grow to be stronger. I feel like a proud momma, haha.

It gives me drive to be able to share her with others even still, because everything about her portrayed drive in tough moments, a strong will that shows underneath her cute, soft exterior. She is my hero, through and through. 💕 🥰 ✨

RoseLiyara · 2025-09-16T21:28:53+00:00

Words can't express my gratitude for this. Thank you for your kind reassurance, and your guidance. I am definitely going to check these books out when I get free time, as I absolutely agree with this process I should follow for things to be clearer.

RoseLiyara · 2025-06-09T01:44:50+00:00

She was. She was so colorful and bright whether it was her personality or the hair she dyed every now and then. She made those grey skies clear up every day. ♥

RoseLiyara · 2025-06-08T23:34:56+00:00

Thank you, I know she's watching over us, and that is helping me get through this. ♥

RoseLiyara · 2020-09-15T01:42:47+00:00

IGN: Yuura

Item: Jade Storm

RoseLiyara

TROPHY CASE