We asked Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee all about the band’s new album Synthesis – a collection of re-recordings (and two new tracks) of some of the alt-rock group’s most treasured songs, rearranged with full orchestra.

It’s amazing how so many of the orchestral instruments sound like they were always supposed to be there, and the electronic beats you’ve chosen have a very industrial feel, which fits the Evanescence style beautifully. Were many of these elements already imagined in your mind before you started this project?

Thank you! Yes, actually. I didn’t know what the whole thing would sound like when we were done; there is so much detail that was created as we went. But honestly, this is more like the way I hear our music in my head.

Some of the decisions you’ve made here with arrangements, do they reflect ways that you’ve developed the tracks during their lives as part of your live setlist?

Yes. Not in the obvious ways. Our usual live show is very much about amplifying and energizing things to make a non-stop, heavy rock show. We add parts to build drama, make four bars into eight and add a drum solo, go straight from one song to the next. But this project isn’t feeding that need – it’s meant to be experienced in a different way. The things that I was able to add into these new versions that stemmed from the songs’ live growth over time is mainly about vocal performance. That little extra note in the bridge of Bring Me To Life (“only you…”) is a good example. That’s been something I do live when I’m really enjoying the moment and want to push further.
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