Within Temptation - Middle Of The Night

In The Middle Of The Night is a song from Dutch rockers, Within Temptation. It's the third track from their fifth and critically acclaimed album, The Unforgiven. The group have always been one known for versatility, they changed their styles with every album but the essence in Sharon's voice gave them the strong identity they need to stand out and they still remains great. This year they've gone down a more heavier route. I really enjoyed the album and love the group, but the track that steals all the limelight for me is In The Middle Of The Night.

The track is written by band members Sharon den Adel, Robert Westerholt and producer, Daniel Gibson. The group are taken to the ultimate test on this track and because of the heavy and interesting back story. The Unforgiving was also a concept album based on the comic of the same name. In The Middle Of The Night is part of it's story and greatly compliments the album and represents all the ideas well. Sharon said that In The Middle Of The Night is her favourite track of the album; its mine too. It's not been released as a single, it was used effectively in the album trailer.

The track opens with fierce guitar riffs and a bassline with Sharon's screeches on top. It's one of their most heaviest and fast paced songs to date. It gave me a very powerful impact and I liked the occasional orchestra use, but still letting those guitars do the talking. The track remains consistent and hard-hitting.

Sharon's vocals in particular are put to the test here. This couldn't have been an easy song for her as her vocals are usually more suited to more slower songs and ballads. I think a lot of people would struggle singing this song because of the fast pace. Sharon stood up to the challenge and her vocals sparkled in a different light then what the fans are used to hearing from her. I looking forward to hearing this song live, it will be a challenge, but I'm sure Sharon and the guys can nail it.

The atmosphere in this track is firing and in my opinion it's one of the most exciting songs of 2011 so far. The drums and guitars help make it an action packed track and the effort that Sharon puts into this is obvious. It all works together. One part that I didn't expect was the tranquil cooing in the middle with symphonic vibes that I'd expect from thier third album, The Silent Force.

"I’ve been walking this road of desire, I’ve been begging for blood on the wall.
I don’t care if I’m playing with fire, I’m aware that I’m frozen inside. I have known all along." - Verse 2

The lyrics are strong on this track, they keep the rhythm very strong on this, at times it is predictable, like the use of words such as tears and fire, but I wouldn't expect the first verse to be sung by Within Temptation. Though it's probably something I should be getting used to because of their constant change.

I love this song, but some people may find it too screechy and fast paced. Sharon could do some tweaking with her vocals to make it more effective and some people may think Within Temptation are going out of their depth.

I guess you could consider it a Marmite track, I've seen people like me adore it and also some people despise the track. For me, Within Temptation took a lot of risks, debatable on weather they worked or not but for me it did. I would recommend this and If you love the track, the album is worth a try as well. As a fan I feel proud, but also rather spoilt.