I'm sure most of you Metal Temple frequenters will have heard of WITHIN TEMPTATION, and I'll bet most of you are fans. So, you'll be excited to hear that the Symphonic Metal / Rock band from the Netherlands is releasing a new EP, entitled "Paradise (What About Us?)" The band is by no means new to the music scene, having formed in 1996 by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. The group have released 5 full-length albums, and over their hugely successful career have acquired and maintained an enormous international following. Many of you will also be pleased to hear that the first song on the EP, also entitled "Paradise (What About Us?)" features Tarja Turunen, former vocalist of Finnish Symphonic Metal band NIGHTWISH. Although it only contains 4 songs, the EP highlights WITHIN TEMPTATION's best features, and identifies how they have been so successful ever since their formation.

The first track is the aforementioned title-track featuring Turunen. "Paradise (What About Us?)" kicks the album off in the best possible way; with energy, heaviness and harmonious vocal beauty. den Adel and Turunen's voices are each magnificent in their own way, but when combined create a majestic power that your ears won't easily forget. When the song opens, you'll think you've wandered into a full Orchestra, but before long the drums and guitars come in and things get heavy. The lyrics are poetically written and superbly presented, and you will likely find yourself singing along with gusto when den Adel and Turunen belt out that chorus. A music video has also been released for the track, depicting the band in a dystopian society. Definitely check it out.

The following 3 tracks are all demo versions, and will differ from what will appear on their next album, but I like what I hear. The symphonic element of the band is consistent throughout, and there are moments of full-on Metal, and softer Rock. "Let Us Burn" falls into the latter category, with emphasis on the vocals during the verses, and the guitars and drums turning up the heat more in the choruses and bridge. However, don't be disappointed, hardcore Metalheads, there is a screeching solo towards the end, and several breakdowns throughout the track. Track number 3, "Silver Moonlight", begins mildly, with Sharon's lovely voice and keyboards in centre stage. However, the relentless distortion of the guitar rips its way through, and there are some malevolent growls in the chorus and bridge. This is another one guaranteed to have you singing along, right until the end. Sadly, we've reached the final track on the EP. But fear not, it's a good one. "Dog Days" opens with melancholy piano, which erupts into distorted riffs that will get you pulling out that air guitar. The drumming of Mike Coolen is a noteworthy element, particularly in the second verse where they keep the beat, and keep us headbanging. The overall rhythm of the song is quite slow, but the band still manages to maintain a sense of energy.

Overall, "Paradise (What About Us?)" is an outstanding release, with an impressive amount of diversity in just a few songs. Other than wishing it was longer, I have no complaints about this awesome EP, and I challenge you to find any. Go get it, people.