Within Temptation - Shed My Skin - Single [Review]

Following "Entertain You" (reviewed here) and "The Purge" (reviewed here), "Shed My Skin" is very likely the third single from Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation's upcoming eighth studio album (the title and release date of which have not yet been revealed). The song was released on June 25th on an EP that includes the previous two singles as well as instrumentals of all three songs. "Shed My Skin" features Annisokay as a featured artist and begins with low strings (which sound to me like they're likely being played on a cello) and frontwoman Sharon den Adel's powerful vocals (alongside those of Annisokay's Christophe Wieczorek) belting out the song's pre-chorus: "Carry on your fire and raise your head, and everything comes to an end when hearts asunder." The song is definitely a return to form for the band, sounding a lot to me like something one might hear on The Silent Force (2004) or The Heart of Everything (2007), especially since it's heavy and symphonic - with soaring strings and a sweeping choir. Of the three singles released thus far, I think that "Shed My Skin" might be my favorite, as I love how melodically powerful and sonically big that it is, and I think that Annisokay's vocals make for a great addition alongside den Adel's, although I do wonder if the band plans to release another version with just Sharon considering the fact that Wieczorek's vocals were apparently added in after the song had otherwise already been finished. It is lyrically fairly similar to the theme conveyed on "The Purge" - the fact that pain is part of being human and makes us stronger. It can lead us to grow and rise up anew like a phoenix: "Whoa, forgive me," Sharon and Christophe declare in the booming chorus. "Release me. I shed my skin. This pain's awakening what lies deep within." I am really excited about the new album and am hoping for some more concrete news about it soon, although I predict that there will likely be another single or two released before that happens.