The Open Door [Digipak] * by Evanescence (CD, Oct-2006, Wind-Up Records)

With Evanescence's second album, we learn that singer & pianist Amy Lee was as much a part of the six-times-platinum sound of 2003's "Fallen" as now-departed guitarist and songwriting partner Ben Moody. We also learn that Lee is no woman to scorn. "The Open Door" is full of blistering attacks on those who have betrayed her, a list that starts with Moody but doubtlessly includes ex-boyfriend Shaun Morgan of Seether, the impetus for first single "Call Me When You're Sober." Fortunately, Lee and company—including former Cold guitarist Terry Balsamo, who suffered a stroke while making the album—have translated her heartache into another successful set of melodramatic goth/industrial anthems with touches of prog and even classical (Mozart's "Requiem") in "Lacrymosa." Those who embraced "Fallen" will doubtlessly fall even harder into "The Open Door."