"The Open Door" is the second studio album by American rock band Evanescence, released on September 25, 2006, through Wind-up Records. With Amy Lee at the helm creatively, the album showcases a diverse blend of musical styles, incorporating her classical influences alongside elements of industrial rock, symphonic metal, progressive rock, and electronica. The inclusion of choirs on several tracks further enriches its sound.
The writing process spanned 18 months, during which the recording was delayed due to guitarist Terry Balsamo's stroke. Most of the songs were co-composed by Lee and Balsamo, with production led by Dave Fortman.
Upon its release, The Open Door received generally positive reviews from critics. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling over 447,000 copies in its first week, and achieved chart-topping positions in Australia, Europe, Germany, Greece, and Switzerland. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA just over a month post-release and has since reached double platinum status, selling over six million copies worldwide as of 2011.
The lead single, "Call Me When You're Sober," was released digitally on September 4, 2006, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting in the top 10 in several countries. It was followed by "Lithium" on December 4, 2006, and "Sweet Sacrifice" on May 25, 2007. The final single, "Good Enough," was released in Germany on December 14, 2007.
The Open Door was supported by a worldwide tour from October 2006 to December 2007, further solidifying Evanescence's presence in the rock music scene.
Amy Lee mentioned that Evanescence would start writing material for The Open Door in March 2004, following their tour for Fallen (2003). She expressed the challenge of writing on tour, emphasizing her passion for the creative process and the band’s eagerness to return to the studio. The album's development was slow, driven by Lee’s desire to take her time and ensure the production was polished, as well as the impact of guitarist Terry Balsamo’s stroke, which she described as "the most difficult part" of the process.
Lee noted that the experiences during this time served as inspiration for the album, making it feel "really special." She reflected on how the challenges they faced allowed them to start fresh and explore new creative avenues. Regarding the album’s title, Lee stated that many doors had opened in her life, symbolizing growth and new opportunities.
The album cover, designed by Lee herself, was revealed on Evanescence's official website on August 4, 2006, setting the stage for the album’s release and marking a new chapter for the band.
