Within Temptation is a band from The Netherlands. Their early music was often described as a version of gothic metal or doom metal; however, their music has evolved, and is now often described in some media as symphonic metal, while in an interview, Sharon den Adel said they fell into the symphonic rock genre. The band consists of vocalist Sharon den Adel and her boyfriend, guitarist Robert Westerholt (who was previously in a band called Voyage), Jeroen Van Veen (bass), Stephen van Haestregt (drums), Martijn Spierenburg (keyboards) and Ruud Adrianus Jolie (guitars).

Within Temptation started back in 1996 and released their first demo, called Enter. In 1997 they released their first album that was also named Enter, this album was quickly followed by an EP The Dance in 1998. Their final breakthrough was their second album, Mother Earth, released in 2000. After the somewhat failed Our Farewell single, they broke the Dutch charts at number 2 with Ice Queen.

In 2004 they released their third album, The Silent Force, with which they continued their shift from the darker feel of Mother Earth to a more general accesible form. Their first single from this album Stand My Ground was an instant success, which was followed by Memories and Angels.

Within Temptation planned to release a new album in August 2006. At the beginning of December 2006, a new song, The Howling, written for the PC game 'The Chronicles of Spellborn', was officially unveiled. Fans also learned the name of another new song, Final Destination, and the first single from the album What Have You Done (Feat. Keith Caputo) which featured Keith Caputo from Life of Agony. The album was eventually released on July 24, 2007, with the title The Heart of Everything.

Within Temptation and especially Sharon den Adel are also famous because of various duets, counting ensembles with After Forever, Ayreon, Aemen, Delain and many others not only in The Netherlands but internationally. The lead singer is also famous for her theatrical appearance on stage, boasting extravagant gowns and an emotional performance.

Ex-members include Ivar de Graaf (drums), Martijn Westerholt (keyboards), Michiel Papenhove (guitars), Jelle Bakker (guitars), Ciro Palma (drums), Dennis Leeflang (drums), and Richard Willemse (drums).

In 2007 the band announced it would be donating all proceeds from their single "Frozen" to Child Helpline International (http://www.childhelplineinternational.org/helplines/).

Official site: www.within-temptation.com