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Evanescence contradict every line in the Massive-Selling-Band rulebook, not least by shifting more units than Coca-Cola while ensuring that nobody you or I have ever met professes to be an ardent fan.

Since the 2003 success of Bring Me To Life and debut album Fallen, they’ve tussled with line-up changes but survive with singer-pianist Amy Lee front and centre. This third album has had a turbulent gestation. Steve Lillywhite was initially hired to produce; Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters) ultimately did, as the spells of no-nonsense riffage testify.

Opener and single What You Want boasts a refrain of ‘hello, hello’ that perhaps intentionally but nonetheless worryingly mimics Nirvana. As Lee wails throughout of oceans, love, freedom and how she’s not-like-you, the whole thing’s sturdy, slick, half Narnia, half Creed, yet always lacking in that one crucial area: personality.

Still we wonder: who are Evanescence?

Chris Roberts has written about music, films, and art for innumerable outlets. His new book The Velvet Underground is out April 4. He has also published books on Lou Reed, Elton John, the Gothic arts, Talk Talk, Kate Moss, Scarlett Johansson, Abba, Tom Jones and others. Among his interviewees over the years have been David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Bryan Ferry, Al Green, Tom Waits & Lou Reed. Born in North Wales, he lives in London.