The Unforgiving cover

The Unforgiving

Within Temptation · 2011

125 min · 21 tracks · alternative metal · gothic metal · symphonic metal

A majestic blend of symphonic and alternative metal, intertwining heavy riffs with haunting melodies.

Why this album works

This album debuted at number one in the Dutch Albums Chart and has been praised for its ambitious storytelling and production quality. 'The Unforgiving' also solidified Within Temptation's status in the symphonic metal genre, influencing numerous bands and contributing to the popularity of narrative-driven music projects.
Career context
Released on March 28, 2011, 'The Unforgiving' is Within Temptation's fifth studio album, marking a significant shift towards a more mainstream sound after their previous album, 'The Heart of Everything' (2007). This record was part of a conceptual project that included a comic book and a short film, showcasing the band's ambition to transcend traditional music formats.
Stylistic neighbors
Evanescence· Amy Lee· After Forever

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Why Not Me 0:34
  • 2 Shot in the Dark Standout 5:02
  • 3 In the Middle of the Night 5:11
  • 4 Faster Standout 4:23
  • 5 Fire and Ice 3:57
  • 6 Iron 5:41
  • 7 Where Is the Edge 3:59
  • 8 Sinéad Standout 4:23
  • 9 Lost 5:14
  • 10 Murder 4:16
  • 11 A Demon’s Fate 5:30
  • 12 Stairway to the Skies 5:32

Disc 2

  • 1 Faster Standout 7:45
  • 2 Sinéad Standout 8:56
  • 3 Shot in the Dark Standout 10:25
  • 4 The Making Of… 20:56
  • 5 Where Is the Edge 4:45
  • 6 Utopia 3:50
  • 7 The Unforgiving: The Prequel 1:25
  • 8 Credits 0:53
  • 9 Facebook Fans 12:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata