the group Within Temptation returns, with an eighth committed album

Every day, a personality invites itself into the world of Élodie Suigo. Monday November 20, 2023: Sharon den Adel, author and performer of the Dutch group Within Temptation. His new album “Bleed Out” has just been released, and concerts in France are planned for November 2024.

Sharon den Adel is an author, composer, performer, lyricist and vocalist for the Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation. She created the group 27 years ago with Robert Westerholt, guitarist. They have therefore spent almost three decades on the stages of the biggest festivals, such as Hellfest festival where Within Temptation was a hit. With almost four million records sold around the world, the group has a place on the international scene and Sharon den Adel is part of this beautiful love story with the public, because she is the most emblematic figure of the group.

Within Temptation has just released its eighth album Bleed Out and announces concerts in November 2024.

franceinfo: Bleed out means ‘bleeding out’. Is it a metaphor that describes the current state of the world?

Sharon den Adel: Yes, it’s inspired by everything that’s going on in the world right now, of course. I can’t take life as it exists today and say nothing. I need to open my mouth and try to do everything in my power to make the world a better place whether it’s Ukraine, Iran, etc.

“We must stand up and fight for a better future.”

Sharon den Adel, from the band Within Temptation

at franceinfo

In this new album, there are absolutely no taboos or fears, it is also the principle of what you want to say. Obviously, in the background, we are all afraid of a Third World War because that is what it is about. I would like to know how you manage to integrate current conflicts into your texts. How do you deal with this?

Of course, we tell stories and as musicians, the world inspires us. When we start writing in the morning, we talk about what’s happened in our own personal lives, but also what’s happening in the world and that inspires your words at the end of the day. It’s not always intentional that we talk about it, it’s not always planned in advance, but sometimes we get so frustrated, and this was the case, that we talk about it in every songs. This album is truly a cry for freedom.

You talk a lot about women in this album. Are you a feminist?

I think some people would call me a feminist. I don’t see myself as a feminist, but as a humanist, I am for equal rights for everyone, not only for women, but also for members of the LGBTQ+ community, for example. We must continue to fight for rights because there are of course a lot of inequalities in the West, but everywhere in the world, there are subjects that we need to talk about, such as equality of rights. pay between men and women. So I don’t believe I’m a feminist, I believe I’m a humanist.

What do you think about the fact that some young girls today want to become Sharon den Adel?

That’s a compliment, thank you! I hope there will be more female singers in the future, I would love that.

Within Temptation was founded 27 years ago. What did you want to do at the time?

I always wanted to sing, I always wanted to do music, but in the Netherlands music is not taken very seriously, especially 26 years ago. So everyone around me, including my parents, said to me: We love that you’re doing music, but what are you going to do for serious work? Because you have to earn money to live. No one took it seriously at first, but that’s where my passion is and where my heart is and I’m lucky enough to still do it today.

What relationship do you have with your voice? It is very emblematic, you recognize it after a few notes. What place does it occupy in your life?

But of course, she represents what I am through music, but also in interviews!

“Music has given me a platform to talk about things that are important to me and I hope this will be my contribution in some way.”

Sharon den Adel, from the band Within Temptation

at franceinfo

It helps me deal with life and I’m glad I can do that because it’s the best way I can deal with my frustration when I watch the news every day and then turn it into something beautiful. what is music. For me, it’s the best way to reach people.

Are you proud of this journey, of these 27 years spent on stage and with this audience which continues to grow?

Yes. I’m so proud that I’m still here already, doing what I love and that so many people grew up with us. They come with their children to our concerts and sometimes, we even have three generations! And for me, it’s the most beautiful image. Seeing a grandfather, his son and his grandchildren together at the same concert is perfect.

Within Temptation will be in concert in France in November 2024, on the 21st in Paris, on the 28th at the Zénith in Toulouse and on the 29th in Grenoble.