[Single Review] 'Who Will You Follow' is a love letter to their older sound whilst preparing to unleash something bolder as EVANESCENCE gear up for the release of their sixth studio album

(Image: Chapman Baehler) 

EVANESCENCE (not in order): Amy, Troy, Tim, Emma, Will 

At the risk of sounding older than I actually am (34 years old with the cracking knees and aching back to prove it...), I personally love how much we seem to be getting hit from sounds of yesteryear making a comeback and showing modern bands just why they were huge in their time. 

'Legacy' bands are pumping out new tunes and albums, inciting a wave of nostalgia for the older fans to enjoy whilst encouraging newer fans to go back and revisit their previous works. For me, its nice to shift away from the same handful of artists and revisit those that shaped me into the music loving fanatic I am today. In this particular case, its revisiting the first 'heavy' band that I ever got into before diving down the rabbit hole and discovering more and more over the years. 

After last hearing them in in 2025 with 'Afterlife' (which itself was their first single in 4 years) and a promise of newer music to come, it was great to see rock titans Evanescence were getting ready to re-emerge on the scene in a much fuller scale. Following the announcement of their new album 'Sanctuary'  back in March, the group have released the lead single from the album 'Who Will You Follow'

The single, produced by Zakk Cervini and Jordan Fish, is one that combines the group's signature blend of haunting melodies and powerful riffs, a reminder of why many fans fell in love with them since their inception whilst still keeping that modern flair of today's musical offerings. Starting with a beautiful piano intro, the track doesn't wait too long before the band comes in and shifts us towards the crunch and oomph of the heavier side. Musically, the track feels like a love letter to the band's earlier years, particularly that of their self titled album and the 'Open Door' era, whilst also making the statement that the group are returning with music that's weighty and sharper than ever.

One thing that has always drawn me to Evanescence are Amy's vocals and this track is no different. Even after listening to them for 20 odd years, her voice is as flawless and powerful as ever, hauntingly beautiful in the cleans and almost operatic when in the heavier side. The lyrics are thought provoking, feeding into the notion of rejecting the era of misinformation and finding your own connection once you break free of those bonds.

'Who Will You Follow' is a powerful return to form for the band and as before, a reminder as to why they've always been able to leave their mark in a market  that has so much choice and variety. Being the lead single of the upcoming album, it has plenty of hook to get us back on the Evanscence vibes and leaves you hungry for what is to come later this year. I personally can't wait to get my teeth into this offering, and for me its fantastic to see an iconic group gearing up for an explosive return.

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