One thing that Evanescence managed to do with their multi-platinum debut album was to open the world of anthemic goth rock to a wider audience. Their operatic/orchaestral aesthetic made the big sounds aceptable across a wider audience than most of their contemporaries could manage. This was also the downside as each track on the Fallen album had a tendency to sound the same and the ever present Christian ethos tended to grate. If you liked the sound enough this was not a problem.

So three years later and minus Ben Moody, Amy Lee's co-writer on the first album, out comes The Open Door. Was it worth the wait?

Well actually it was. This takes the anthemic formula and improves upon it. The clear influence of classical training on behalf of Amy Lee clearly shows itself to incredible effect. The songs are immediately accessible and the album manages to come across as fresh even though stylistically similar enough to Fallen to bring their audience back. This time there are starker differences between each song so there is ni blurring. Lyrically this is a stronger album and the Christian haranguing is conspicuously reduced although still present.

Highlight track for me was "Good Enough" which is emotionally similar to "My Immortal" but showcases Evanescence's classical sensibilities and stunning lyrics to great effect.

What can you expect from a man whose previous works were dance remixes and working with Rollo and Sister Bliss? More of the same I expect.

What you actually get is a sweeping epic orchestral soundscape with a throaty vocal evocative of Tom Wait. There is a dance feel to some of the tracks but only in the most ephemeral way.

Most of you will not have heard of Rob Dougan but you will all have heard his music. It graces adverts, TV series, blockbuster and other films alike. If you like epic music, often touching and always memorable then treat yourself to this CD. Listen to it over and over and you will not tire of it. I know I haven't.