Evanescene

This four-piece epic rock outfit from Little Rock, Arkansas arose in the late '90s, escaping the town's stagnant soft-rock and death-metal scenes. Co-founders Amy Lee (vocalist) and Ben Moody (lead guitarist) met at a junior high summer camp, where Moody was so impressed by Lee's piano rendition of Meat Loaf's "I'd Do Anything For Love" that he asked the young talent to join him in a band; the two clicked instantly as songwriting soulmates, influenced by the likes of Bjork, Tori Amos, and Danny Elfman as well as classical and grunge music.

Even though the duo couldn't afford to form a complete band for their live performances, Evanescence gained popularity through their self-released EPs and local radio play for their gothic anthem, "Understanding," one of the first songs they wrote together. While they were mastering their independently released CD Origin in Memphis, producer Pete Matthews, who was working down the hall with alt-metal band Dust For Life, overheard their music; impressed with what he heard, he subsequently referred Evanescence to Wind-Up Records, which was more than happy to sign them.

Evanescence recently added guitarist John LeCompt and drummer Rocky Gray to their lineup, giving them more leverage to deliver the intricate harmonies and dramatic orchestration displayed in their enchanting major-label debut, Fallen, which was produced in Los Angeles by former Ugly Kid Joe guitarist Dave Fortman (who has also produced Eyehategod, Stereo Fuse, Soilent Green, and others). The album's first single--a beautiful, post-industrial rock track against a piano ballad backdrop called "Bring Me To Life"--also appears in the blockbuster movie Daredevil and its accompanying soundtrack.