A week after its release, Evanescence have landed a major milestone with Sanctuary debuting at Number One on the UK Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart.
The band’s sixth studio album arrived on June 5 and marks their first full length release since 2021’s The Bitter Truth. Produced by Zakk Cervini, Jordan Fish and Nick Raskulinecz, the 12 track record features recent singles “Afterlife” and “Who Will You Follow”, both of which have helped fuel the band’s strong return over the past year.
The chart success continues a huge run of momentum for the band. “Afterlife” became Evanescence’s first ever Number One on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, while “Who Will You Follow” recently topped Billboard’s Rock & Alternative Airplay Chart.
Speaking about the album’s creation, Amy Lee said: “This album is over three years in the making. I am so damn proud of every second of it. It’s overwhelming. Working on it has been my outlet for so much that feels wrong and out of control, and a place to ignite hope through the power of music and connection.”
The release has also been met with a strong critical response. Kerrang! awarded the album 4/5, calling it a record that maintains Amy Lee’s reputation for “quality over quantity”, while Metal Hammer described it as Evanescence’s “most vital record in years.”
Evanescence will take Sanctuary on the road later this year, with a UK arena run beginning in Leeds on September 8 before heading to Manchester, Birmingham and London’s O2 Arena. Support across the UK dates comes from Poppy, while Nova Twins and K.Flay will appear on selected shows.
