# Within Temptation > Dutch symphonic metal band **Wikidata**: [Q57138](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57138) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Within_Temptation) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/within-temptation ## Summary Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic metal band formed in 1996 in Waddinxveen, Netherlands. The band is known for blending heavy metal with classical music elements, creating a distinctive symphonic metal sound featuring orchestral arrangements and powerful vocals. Led by lead vocalist Sharon den Adel since its founding, Within Temptation has become one of the most successful and influential bands in the symphonic metal genre, achieving international recognition through albums like "Mother Earth," "The Heart of Everything," and "The Unforgiving." ## Key Facts - **Official Name:** Within Temptation - **Aliases:** WT - **Inception:** 1996 - **Work Period Start:** 1996 - **Origin:** Waddinxveen, South Holland, Netherlands - **Genre:** Symphonic metal, gothic metal, alternative metal - **Lead Vocalist:** Sharon den Adel (since 1996) - **Guitarist:** Robert Westerholt (co-founder) - **Keyboardist:** Martijn Westerholt (co-founder) - **Website:** http://www.within-temptation.com/ - **Sitelink Count:** 56 - **Associated Record Labels:** Nuclear Blast, Roadrunner Records, Bertelsmann Music Group, Universal Music Group, DSFA Records, GUN Records - **Notable Albums:** Mother Earth (2000), The Heart of Everything (2007), The Unforgiving (2011), Hydra (2014), Resist (2019), Bleed Out (2023) - **Solo Project:** My Indigo (launched by Sharon den Adel in 2017) - **Awards:** Silver Harp (Dutch award for promising music talent), Popprijs (Dutch pop music award, inception 1985) ## FAQs **What type of music does Within Temptation play?** Within Temptation is a symphonic metal band that combines heavy metal with classical music elements. Their sound features orchestral arrangements, powerful vocals, and dramatic compositions. The band is associated with multiple subgenres including gothic metal and alternative metal, drawing from classical influences while maintaining a modern metal edge. **Who are the founding members of Within Temptation?** Within Temptation was co-founded in 1996 by guitarist Robert Westerholt and vocalist Sharon den Adel. Both are Dutch musicians with Dutch citizenship. The band also includes keyboardist Martijn Westerholt (Robert's brother), who has been a consistent member throughout the band's history. Other long-time members include guitarist Ruud Jolie, bassist Jeroen van Veen, and drummer Martijn Spierenburg. **What are Within Temptation's most successful albums?** Within Temptation's most notable albums include "Mother Earth" (2000), which established them in the European metal scene; "The Heart of Everything" (2007), their first album to achieve major international success; "The Unforgiving" (2011), which featured a more aggressive sound; "Hydra" (2014); "Resist" (2019); and "Bleed Out" (2023). The album "Black Symphony" (2008) was a live recording featuring a full orchestra. **Which record labels have Within Temptation worked with?** Throughout their career, Within Temptation has been associated with multiple record labels. They released early work through DSFA Records (Dutch label, founded 1990) and later signed with Nuclear Blast (German independent label, founded 1987, headquartered in Donzdorf). They have also worked with Roadrunner Records (US label, founded 1980, division of Warner Music Group), Bertelsmann Music Group (American label, founded 1983), Universal Music Group (Dutch-American corporation, founded 1934), and GUN Records (German label, founded 1992). **What awards has Within Temptation received?** Within Temptation has received recognition in the Dutch music scene including the Silver Harp award, which is a Dutch award for promising music talent, and the Popprijs, a Dutch pop music award that began in 1985. These awards reflect their success and impact on the Netherlands music industry. **What is Sharon den Adel's involvement beyond Within Temptation?** Sharon den Adel, born July 12, 1974, has been the lead vocalist and songwriter for Within Temptation since the band's formation in 1996. In 2017, she launched a solo project called My Indigo, which allows her to explore different musical styles while maintaining her signature vocal approach. My Indigo has released several albums since its inception, further expanding her musical influence beyond Within Temptation. **How has Within Temptation influenced the symphonic metal genre?** Within Temptation is widely regarded as one of the pioneering bands in the symphonic metal genre, which blends heavy metal with classical music elements. Since their formation in 1996, they have helped define and popularize the genre internationally. Their combination of orchestral arrangements, powerful vocals, and dramatic compositions has influenced numerous subsequent bands in the symphonic, gothic, and alternative metal genres. ## Why It Matters Within Temptation matters as one of the most influential bands in the symphonic metal genre, having helped define and popularize this distinctive style of music that combines classical orchestration with heavy metal. Since their formation in 1996, the band has achieved remarkable commercial success, with albums charting across Europe and reaching international audiences. Their work has been instrumental in bringing symphonic metal into the mainstream consciousness, demonstrating that metal music with classical elements can achieve broad commercial appeal. The band's significance extends beyond their musical contributions. Within Temptation has served as a launching pad for the careers of numerous Dutch musicians and has helped establish the Netherlands as a notable contributor to the global metal scene. Their success has inspired countless other bands to pursue symphonic metal, contributing to the genre's growth and diversification over the past two decades. Sharon den Adel's powerful vocals and songwriting have become synonymous with the symphonic metal genre, making her one of the most recognizable figures in the style. Her work with Within Temptation and the subsequent solo project My Indigo demonstrates the band's commitment to artistic evolution while maintaining their core musical identity. This balance between consistency and innovation has allowed Within Temptation to remain relevant and influential across multiple decades of changing musical trends. The band's collaborations with major record labels like Nuclear Blast and their presence at major music festivals have helped expand the reach of symphonic metal beyond traditional boundaries. Their live performances, including the acclaimed "Black Symphony" concert featuring a full orchestra, showcase their ambition and ability to push the boundaries of what symphonic metal can achieve. ## Notable For - Being one of the founding and most successful bands in the symphonic metal genre since 1996 - Achieving international recognition with albums like "The Heart of Everything" and "The Unforgiving" - Releasing "Black Symphony," a live album featuring a full orchestra collaboration - Having lead vocalist Sharon den Adel as a prominent female figure in heavy metal - Pioneering the blend of classical music elements with heavy metal in the Dutch music scene - Maintaining consistent lineup stability with core members since formation - Launching Sharon den Adel's solo project My Indigo in 2017 - Receiving Dutch music industry awards including Silver Harp and Popprijs - Working with multiple major record labels including Nuclear Blast, Roadrunner Records, and Universal Music Group - Achieving sitelink count of 56, indicating significant online presence and recognition ## Body ### History and Formation Within Temptation was formed in 1996 in Waddinxveen, a town and municipality in South Holland, Netherlands. The band was co-founded by guitarist Robert Westerholt and vocalist Sharon den Adel, both Dutch citizens. The formation came during a period of significant growth in the European metal scene, with symphonic metal emerging as a distinct genre that blended the aggression of heavy metal with the elegance of classical music. The band's name reflects their musical approach, combining themes of temptation with the structural complexity of their compositions. From their earliest days, Within Temptation distinguished themselves through their use of orchestral arrangements and Sharon den Adel's powerful vocal performances, which became signature elements of their sound. ### Musical Style and Genre Within Temptation is primarily classified as a symphonic metal band, with their music characterized by heavy guitar riffs, orchestral arrangements, and dramatic vocal performances. The band draws from multiple subgenres including gothic metal and alternative metal, creating a sound that is both accessible and musically sophisticated. Their symphonic metal style, which emerged from the genre's inception around 1995, incorporates classical music elements such as string arrangements, orchestral swells, and cinematic compositions. This approach distinguishes them from traditional heavy metal bands and has helped define the symphonic metal genre alongside acts like Nightwish and Epica. The band's ability to blend classical influences with modern metal has been a key factor in their international success. Their compositions often feature dynamic contrasts between heavy, aggressive passages and melodic, orchestral sections, creating an emotional depth that resonates with audiences worldwide. ### Band Members **Core Members:** Sharon den Adel has been the lead vocalist and primary songwriter since the band's formation in 1996. Born on July 12, 1974, in the Netherlands, she has become one of the most recognizable voices in symphonic metal. Her powerful vocal range and emotional delivery have been central to Within Temptation's identity. In 2017, she launched the solo project My Indigo, expanding her musical repertoire. Robert Westerholt serves as the band's guitarist and co-founder. As one of the original members, he has been instrumental in shaping the band's sound and direction throughout their career. Martijn Westerholt, Robert's brother, handles keyboard duties for the band. His orchestral arrangements and keyboard compositions have been essential to Within Temptation's symphonic sound. **Additional Members:** The band has included several other notable musicians throughout their history: - Ruud Jolie: Dutch guitarist - Jeroen van Veen: Dutch bassist - Martijn Spierenburg: Dutch drummer - Stephen van Haestregt: Dutch musician who has contributed to the band's percussion and rhythm sections ### Discography Within Temptation has released numerous studio albums, live albums, and singles throughout their career: **Studio Albums:** - "Mother Earth" (2000) - Their debut album that established them in the European metal scene - "The Heart of Everything" (2007) - First album to achieve major international success - "The Unforgiving" (2011) - Featured a darker, more aggressive sound - "Hydra" (2014) - "Resist" (2019) - "Bleed Out" (2023) **Live Albums:** - "Black Symphony" (2008) - A live recording featuring a full orchestra, demonstrating the band's ambitious live performances ### Record Labels and Industry Relationships Within Temptation has worked with several prominent record labels throughout their career: **Nuclear Blast:** A German independent record label founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger, headquartered in Donzdorf, Germany. Specializing in heavy metal and related genres, Nuclear Blast has been a significant partner for Within Temptation's international releases. The label is known for its extensive roster of metal bands and has played a crucial role in promoting European metal acts globally. **Roadrunner Records:** A US record label based in New York City, founded in 1980, operating as a division of Warner Music Group. The label has been instrumental in developing heavy metal and hard rock artists, including prominent acts like Slipknot, Metallica, and Dream Theater. **Bertelsmann Music Group:** An American record label founded in 1983 as a division of Bertelsmann AG, a German media conglomerate. Now operating as a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, BMG has been associated with numerous legendary artists across multiple genres. **Universal Music Group:** A Dutch-American music corporation founded in September 1934, headquartered in Santa Monica, California. As the world's largest music company, UMG operates numerous subsidiaries and has been a significant force in the global music industry. **DSFA Records:** A Dutch record label founded in 1990, representing Within Temptation's early career in their home country. **GUN Records:** A German record label founded in 1992, operating as an imprint of Gun Records Musikproduktion GmbH. ### Awards and Recognition Within Temptation has received several awards reflecting their impact on the Dutch music scene: **Silver Harp:** A Dutch award for promising music talent, recognizing emerging artists who demonstrate significant potential in the music industry. This award highlights Within Temptation's early success and promise as a new band in the Dutch music scene. **Popprijs:** A Dutch pop music award established in 1985, given to outstanding achievements in Dutch popular music. Receiving this award positioned Within Temptation among the notable acts in the Dutch music industry. ### International Influence and Impact Within Temptation's influence extends beyond their native Netherlands, having achieved recognition across Europe and internationally. Their success has helped establish the Netherlands as a notable contributor to the global symphonic metal genre, alongside other European countries with strong metal traditions. The band's approach to blending classical music elements with heavy metal has influenced numerous subsequent bands in the genre. Their combination of orchestral arrangements, powerful vocals, and dramatic compositions has become a template for symphonic metal bands worldwide. ### Related Projects and Collaborations Sharon den Adel's solo project My Indigo, launched in 2017, represents her artistic evolution beyond Within Temptation. The project allows her to explore different musical styles while maintaining her signature vocal approach, demonstrating the versatility that characterizes her career. The band's collaborations with orchestras, as demonstrated in their "Black Symphony" live album, showcase their ambition to push the boundaries of symphonic metal. These large-scale performances require significant musical and logistical coordination, reflecting the band's commitment to delivering ambitious live experiences. ### Industry Context Within Temptation emerged during a period of significant development in the symphonic metal genre. The genre itself, which blends heavy metal with classical music, began taking shape around 1995, and Within Temptation has been among its most prominent practitioners since their formation. The band's relationships with multiple record labels reflect the complex landscape of the modern music industry. From their early work with Dutch label DSFA Records to their international releases through Nuclear Blast and other major labels, Within Temptation has navigated the industry effectively to reach broad audiences. ### Cultural Significance Within Temptation holds a significant place in the Dutch music industry and the broader symphonic metal genre. As one of the most successful Dutch metal bands internationally, they have demonstrated that European metal acts can achieve global recognition while maintaining their artistic integrity. The band's success has inspired subsequent generations of Dutch musicians to pursue careers in heavy metal, contributing to the growth and diversification of the Netherlands' metal scene. Their combination of classical influences with modern metal has helped expand the genre's appeal to audiences beyond traditional metal fans. Sharon den Adel's prominence as a female vocalist in heavy metal has also been significant, providing representation and inspiration for women in a genre historically dominated by male artists. Her career demonstrates the potential for female musicians to achieve leading positions in heavy metal. ## References 1. MusicBrainz 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. Czech National Authority Database 4. BBC Things 5. Discogs 6. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiSQf6v-4cNmbEFdind5z2Q) 7. Quora 8. Google Knowledge Graph 9. YouTube API 10. [Within Temptation Tabs - MetalTabs.com](http://metaltabs.com/within-temptation-tabs/index.html)