WITHIN TEMPTATION : A HISTORICAL TIME LINE
THE PRE-WT YEARS
At the age of 17 in 1992, Within Temptation's co-founder and current guitarist, Robert Westerholt, formed a band called The Circle. Members included Martijn Spierenburg (current keyboardist of WT) and Jeroen Van Veen (bassist of WT from its founding to present). Despite being offered a record deal, The Circle disbanded within a year after troubles between members arose.
In 1994, Robert and a few of his former bandmates collaborated once again in a new project called Voyage. He was once again joined by Martijn Spierenburg and Jeroen Van Veen, as well as Michiel Papenhove who would later become the other guitarist in Within Temptation's founding line-up. Robert's girlfriend, Sharon Den Adel (vocalist of Within Temptation), appeared on a Voyage track entitled "Frozen" (not to be confused with the song of the same name on Within Temptation's 2007 album). After the release of the disc entitled "Embrace", Voyage disbanded as well in 1995.
At the age of 17 in 1992, Within Temptation's co-founder and current guitarist, Robert Westerholt, formed a band called The Circle. Members included Martijn Spierenburg (current keyboardist of WT) and Jeroen Van Veen (bassist of WT from its founding to present). Despite being offered a record deal, The Circle disbanded within a year after troubles between members arose.
In 1994, Robert and a few of his former bandmates collaborated once again in a new project called Voyage. He was once again joined by Martijn Spierenburg and Jeroen Van Veen, as well as Michiel Papenhove who would later become the other guitarist in Within Temptation's founding line-up. Robert's girlfriend, Sharon Den Adel (vocalist of Within Temptation), appeared on a Voyage track entitled "Frozen" (not to be confused with the song of the same name on Within Temptation's 2007 album). After the release of the disc entitled "Embrace", Voyage disbanded as well in 1995.
1996 - WITHIN TEMPTATION: YEAR ONE
Before any members of a new band were recruited, Robert had already composed two songs: "Enter" and "Candles". With the goal of forming a new band to create more music in the vein of these two songs, he contacted Jeroen Van Veen to join him as the bassist. Jeroen suggested their former bandmate, Michiel Papenhove, as the second guitarist and Robert's girlfriend, Sharon den Adel, had already agreed to join as the female vocalist. Robert's younger brother, Martijn Westerholt, joined as the keyboardist (not to be confused with Martijn Spierenburg, the current keyboardist) and Richard Willemse rounded out the initial line-up as their drummer.
In May of '96, Within Temptation was formed.
Willemse soon departed to join the punk band, Barton Green, and was replaced by Dennis Leeflang. In August, "Enter" was recorded as the band's first demo and sent out to
various record labels. Early on, England's Peaceville and Holland's DSFA Records (an acronym for "Doesn't Stand For Anything") showed interest.
As for the media, the demo was hailed "Demo of the Month" in Aardschok(a hard rock magazine).
Before the end of 1996, Leeflang also left and Ivar de Graaf took his place as the drummer through the end of the year.
Before any members of a new band were recruited, Robert had already composed two songs: "Enter" and "Candles". With the goal of forming a new band to create more music in the vein of these two songs, he contacted Jeroen Van Veen to join him as the bassist. Jeroen suggested their former bandmate, Michiel Papenhove, as the second guitarist and Robert's girlfriend, Sharon den Adel, had already agreed to join as the female vocalist. Robert's younger brother, Martijn Westerholt, joined as the keyboardist (not to be confused with Martijn Spierenburg, the current keyboardist) and Richard Willemse rounded out the initial line-up as their drummer.
In May of '96, Within Temptation was formed.
Willemse soon departed to join the punk band, Barton Green, and was replaced by Dennis Leeflang. In August, "Enter" was recorded as the band's first demo and sent out to
various record labels. Early on, England's Peaceville and Holland's DSFA Records (an acronym for "Doesn't Stand For Anything") showed interest.
As for the media, the demo was hailed "Demo of the Month" in Aardschok(a hard rock magazine).Before the end of 1996, Leeflang also left and Ivar de Graaf took his place as the drummer through the end of the year.
1997 - ENTER, DSFA
DSFA gave the band the opportunity to play alongside the band Orphanage and soon
requested another demo recording. Satisfied with the results, DSFA signed Within Temptation to their first record deal. The band immediately began work on their debut independent
album, "Enter", with producer Lex Vogelaar (Orphanage guitarist) and mixer Oscar Holleman of The Gathering and Gorefest fame. Orphanage members made additional contributions
to this album including George Oosthoek's appearance as the male vocalist in the track "Deep Within", Lex Vogelaar's own additional guitar work on "Pearls of Light",
and Guus Eikens' advice on synthesizers and sound techniques.
On April 7th of '97, "Enter" was released under DSFA.
On May 17th, the band performed at the 1997 Dynamo Open Air festival, a major annual metal festival in the Netherlands, and already established their reputation for delivering outstanding live performances.
In November, the band made its first international tour across neighboring countries Germany and Austria together with Orphanage.
DSFA gave the band the opportunity to play alongside the band Orphanage and soon
requested another demo recording. Satisfied with the results, DSFA signed Within Temptation to their first record deal. The band immediately began work on their debut independent
album, "Enter", with producer Lex Vogelaar (Orphanage guitarist) and mixer Oscar Holleman of The Gathering and Gorefest fame. Orphanage members made additional contributions
to this album including George Oosthoek's appearance as the male vocalist in the track "Deep Within", Lex Vogelaar's own additional guitar work on "Pearls of Light",
and Guus Eikens' advice on synthesizers and sound techniques.On April 7th of '97, "Enter" was released under DSFA.
On May 17th, the band performed at the 1997 Dynamo Open Air festival, a major annual metal festival in the Netherlands, and already established their reputation for delivering outstanding live performances.
In November, the band made its first international tour across neighboring countries Germany and Austria together with Orphanage.
1998 - THE DANCE EP, MAIN STAGE AT DYNAMO OPEN AIR
Ivar de Graaf departs and was replaced by Ciro Palma on drums. Sharon appears on Ayreon's "In The Electric Castle".
On their second year performing at the Dynamo Open Air, the band was promoted to the main stage and continued to reinforce their reputation for outstanding performances as a live band.
In the Spring of '98, "The Dance EP" was released under DSFA Records.
Ivar de Graaf departs and was replaced by Ciro Palma on drums. Sharon appears on Ayreon's "In The Electric Castle".On their second year performing at the Dynamo Open Air, the band was promoted to the main stage and continued to reinforce their reputation for outstanding performances as a live band.
In the Spring of '98, "The Dance EP" was released under DSFA Records.
1999 - HIATUS
The band took a year off for its members to finish college. During the year, they constructed their own recording studio. Ivar de Graaf officially re-joins the band as drummer, replacing Ciro Palma.
In May of '99, Sharon appears as guest vocalist for the Heideroosjes at the Pinkpop and Dynamo Open Air festivals.
The band took a year off for its members to finish college. During the year, they constructed their own recording studio. Ivar de Graaf officially re-joins the band as drummer, replacing Ciro Palma.
In May of '99, Sharon appears as guest vocalist for the Heideroosjes at the Pinkpop and Dynamo Open Air festivals.
2000 - THE ORIGINAL MOTHER EARTH RELEASE
In the summer of the new millennium, the band performed at three major Dutch festivals: Waterpop, Bospop and the Lowlands.
On December 1st of 2000, the original version of the "Mother Earth" album was released under DSFA Records. It received rave reviews and remained at the top album charts for over three months.
The first single off of the "Mother Earth" album, "Our Farewell", failed to enter the singles charts despite the success of the album itself. However, its second single the following year would prove to be the band's major break-through.
In the summer of the new millennium, the band performed at three major Dutch festivals: Waterpop, Bospop and the Lowlands.On December 1st of 2000, the original version of the "Mother Earth" album was released under DSFA Records. It received rave reviews and remained at the top album charts for over three months.
The first single off of the "Mother Earth" album, "Our Farewell", failed to enter the singles charts despite the success of the album itself. However, its second single the following year would prove to be the band's major break-through.
2001 - THE BREAK-THROUGH SINGLE AND THE LAST MAJOR LINE-UP CHANGES
The second single
to be released from the album, "Ice Queen" broke new ground for the band as its first major success. "Ice Queen" peaked at #2 on the Dutch singles charts, #1 in Belgium,
and single-handedly caused the album itself to re-enter the album charts and ultimately achieve Platinum status for its sales by the end of the year.
In September, the band headlined a festival in Mexico City.
Just as the band was beginning its rise to international fame, Martijn Westerholt was forced to depart as the band's keyboardist due to Pfeiffer's Disease (aka. mono to North Americans). He was replaced by Martijn Spierenburg on keyboard, who has remained with the band to this day.
On guitar, Michiel Papenhove was replaced for a short time by Jelle Bakker in 2001, who was then replaced by Ruud Jolie who has remained on the line-up as of present day.
Last but not least, Ivar de Graaf departed as the drummer for the second and last time to join Jambone. He was replaced by the current drummer Stephen Van Haestregt.
The second single
to be released from the album, "Ice Queen" broke new ground for the band as its first major success. "Ice Queen" peaked at #2 on the Dutch singles charts, #1 in Belgium,
and single-handedly caused the album itself to re-enter the album charts and ultimately achieve Platinum status for its sales by the end of the year.In September, the band headlined a festival in Mexico City.
Just as the band was beginning its rise to international fame, Martijn Westerholt was forced to depart as the band's keyboardist due to Pfeiffer's Disease (aka. mono to North Americans). He was replaced by Martijn Spierenburg on keyboard, who has remained with the band to this day.
On guitar, Michiel Papenhove was replaced for a short time by Jelle Bakker in 2001, who was then replaced by Ruud Jolie who has remained on the line-up as of present day.
Last but not least, Ivar de Graaf departed as the drummer for the second and last time to join Jambone. He was replaced by the current drummer Stephen Van Haestregt.
2002 - SIGNED WITH MAJOR LABEL, GUN/SONY BMG
The band continued to gain prominence across Europe and played their first show in France during 2002. 14 months after its initial release under DSFA Records, the "Mother Earth" album had achieved Gold status with over 40,000 copies sold.
Marking their rise to success, the band was signed by major label GUN Records (controlled by Sony BMG) who were often credited for the success of Guano Apes and HIM in Europe.
On November 22 of '02, the "Mother Earth Tour" DVD featuring live footage of the band's performances was released in select countries.
The band continued to gain prominence across Europe and played their first show in France during 2002. 14 months after its initial release under DSFA Records, the "Mother Earth" album had achieved Gold status with over 40,000 copies sold.
Marking their rise to success, the band was signed by major label GUN Records (controlled by Sony BMG) who were often credited for the success of Guano Apes and HIM in Europe.On November 22 of '02, the "Mother Earth Tour" DVD featuring live footage of the band's performances was released in select countries.
2003 - AWARDS AND CONTINUING INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS
On January 27 of '03, the hugely successful independent album "Mother Earth" was re-released under the major label GUN/Sony BMG across more European countries, with new package design and four additional tracks. It achieved Platinum status in Germany and peaked at #7 on the album charts that year as the "Ice Queen" single entered their top 30 singles charts.
On February 14th, the band toured with Paradise Lost (cited as one of Robert's major inspirations) in a major international tour.
On February 24th, Within Temptation received the Silver Harp, a prestigious award from Buma Cultuur for making an important contribution to the Dutch music industry.
In the same year, the "Mother Earth Tour" DVD achieved Gold status in the Netherlands and won in the category of Best DVD at the annual Edison Awards (the Dutch-equivalent to the American Grammy's or the UK's BRIT Awards with a history dating back to the 1960's.)
In May, the band performed at four major festivals in the Netherlands.
The band's Kate Bush cover, "Running Up That Hill", was released in the Benelux countries and entered the top 20. "Mother Earth" (the title track of the album) was released in various European countries and entered the top 20 in Germany and the Netherlands.
On January 27 of '03, the hugely successful independent album "Mother Earth" was re-released under the major label GUN/Sony BMG across more European countries, with new package design and four additional tracks. It achieved Platinum status in Germany and peaked at #7 on the album charts that year as the "Ice Queen" single entered their top 30 singles charts.
On February 14th, the band toured with Paradise Lost (cited as one of Robert's major inspirations) in a major international tour.
On February 24th, Within Temptation received the Silver Harp, a prestigious award from Buma Cultuur for making an important contribution to the Dutch music industry.In the same year, the "Mother Earth Tour" DVD achieved Gold status in the Netherlands and won in the category of Best DVD at the annual Edison Awards (the Dutch-equivalent to the American Grammy's or the UK's BRIT Awards with a history dating back to the 1960's.)
In May, the band performed at four major festivals in the Netherlands.
The band's Kate Bush cover, "Running Up That Hill", was released in the Benelux countries and entered the top 20. "Mother Earth" (the title track of the album) was released in various European countries and entered the top 20 in Germany and the Netherlands.
2004 - THE SILENT FORCE ALBUM
In January, the band was given the Gold disc for their album sales in Germany immediately before their performance at the Noorderslag festival.
On February 10th of '04, Within Temptation received the "Dutch Export Prize", an award for their achievement as the best-selling Dutch artist outside of the Netherlands.
During the summer, the band played on the main stage at various festivals including Belgium's Rock Werchter in June and the Lowlands Festival in August.
On November 15th, "The Silent Force" album was released under GUN/Sony BMG across Europe, a collaboration with Swedish producer Daniel Gibson and featuring the
Russian Philharmonic Orchestra and choir. It hit #1 on the album charts in the Netherlands and Finland, and #5 in Germany. It also entered the Top 10 in Belgium, Portugal and Spain; the
Top 20 in Austria and Switzerland; and the Top 30 in Greece, France, Turkey, Sweden and Norway.
The first single off the new album, "Stand My Ground", also achieves major success as it enters the singles Top 10 charts in the Netherlands and Finland.
In January, the band was given the Gold disc for their album sales in Germany immediately before their performance at the Noorderslag festival.
On February 10th of '04, Within Temptation received the "Dutch Export Prize", an award for their achievement as the best-selling Dutch artist outside of the Netherlands.
During the summer, the band played on the main stage at various festivals including Belgium's Rock Werchter in June and the Lowlands Festival in August.
On November 15th, "The Silent Force" album was released under GUN/Sony BMG across Europe, a collaboration with Swedish producer Daniel Gibson and featuring the
Russian Philharmonic Orchestra and choir. It hit #1 on the album charts in the Netherlands and Finland, and #5 in Germany. It also entered the Top 10 in Belgium, Portugal and Spain; the
Top 20 in Austria and Switzerland; and the Top 30 in Greece, France, Turkey, Sweden and Norway.The first single off the new album, "Stand My Ground", also achieves major success as it enters the singles Top 10 charts in the Netherlands and Finland.
2005 - AWARDS, INTERNATIONAL CONQUEST, AND TWO WT BABIES
For the second year in a row, the band was awarded the "Dutch Export Prize". On February 14th, the band also wins another Edison Award, this time in the category of Best Rock National Group.
The second single off of the new album, "Memories", enters the Top 20 in the Netherlands, Finland and Germany as the band embarks on a major international tour across Europe during February and March of '05.
In April, the band wins the TMF Award (MTV Benelux) for Best Local Rock Band. The following month, 450,000 copies of "The Silent Force" had been sold internationally, achieving Gold and Platinum status in various countries across the continent. In June, the third single from the album, "Angels", was released and entered the Top 10 singles in the Netherlands and Finland and Top 30 singles in Germany.
Establishing an annual tradition for years to come, the band performed at the major European rock festivals in the month of June, including Pinkpop, Werchter, Rock Am Ring, Sweden Rock, Ruisrock, Aerodrome, and Gurtenfest. They also toured with Iron Maiden and Rammstein during the year and performed at a special festival in Dubai organized by the Sheik's daughter.
On June 27th, drummer Stephen Van Haestregt's son, Silvin, was born.
In August, GUN/Sony BMG continued the band's international expansion by releasing "The Silent Force" album in the UK, Australia and Japan as well. At the end of the month, the band won the World Music Award for "Best Selling Dutch Artist In The World" as "The Silent Force" exceeded sales of 500,000 copies internationally.
On November 21st, "The Silent Force Tour" two-disc DVD was released, featuring the full headlining performance from July 22nd at Java Island and hours of interviews,
behind-the-scenes footage, and special features.
During the year, Sharon also appeared in the "If You Can Do Something" benefit single for the victims of the Tsunami.
On December 7th, Sharon and Robert's daughter, Eva Luna, was born 8 weeks premature. They remained in the hospital through Christmas and New Years.
For the second year in a row, the band was awarded the "Dutch Export Prize". On February 14th, the band also wins another Edison Award, this time in the category of Best Rock National Group.
The second single off of the new album, "Memories", enters the Top 20 in the Netherlands, Finland and Germany as the band embarks on a major international tour across Europe during February and March of '05.
In April, the band wins the TMF Award (MTV Benelux) for Best Local Rock Band. The following month, 450,000 copies of "The Silent Force" had been sold internationally, achieving Gold and Platinum status in various countries across the continent. In June, the third single from the album, "Angels", was released and entered the Top 10 singles in the Netherlands and Finland and Top 30 singles in Germany.
Establishing an annual tradition for years to come, the band performed at the major European rock festivals in the month of June, including Pinkpop, Werchter, Rock Am Ring, Sweden Rock, Ruisrock, Aerodrome, and Gurtenfest. They also toured with Iron Maiden and Rammstein during the year and performed at a special festival in Dubai organized by the Sheik's daughter.
On June 27th, drummer Stephen Van Haestregt's son, Silvin, was born.In August, GUN/Sony BMG continued the band's international expansion by releasing "The Silent Force" album in the UK, Australia and Japan as well. At the end of the month, the band won the World Music Award for "Best Selling Dutch Artist In The World" as "The Silent Force" exceeded sales of 500,000 copies internationally.
On November 21st, "The Silent Force Tour" two-disc DVD was released, featuring the full headlining performance from July 22nd at Java Island and hours of interviews,
behind-the-scenes footage, and special features.During the year, Sharon also appeared in the "If You Can Do Something" benefit single for the victims of the Tsunami.
On December 7th, Sharon and Robert's daughter, Eva Luna, was born 8 weeks premature. They remained in the hospital through Christmas and New Years.
2006 - PLANTING THE SEEDS FOR AN EXPANSION INTO NORTH AMERICA
In January, the band won the "Dutch Pop Prize 2005" for Best Dutch Pop Contribution over the past year. On February 6th, they received the "Dutch Export Prize" for the third year in a row. They also won the "Golden God Award" from UK's Metal Hammer Magazine for Best Video (Angels) and the 3MF Award in Amsterdam for the Best Rock Artist category.
The band began work on their next major album, "The Heart Of Everything", as they embarked on a major tour in April. In June, they made their usual round of major European rock festivals, and later played in Japan for the first time.
During the year, the band recorded three songs for the "Chronicles of Spellborn" PC game, an MMORPG (or Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). The three tracks included
"The Howling" (which was later included on the next album and also released as a single), "Sounds of Freedom" (later released as a B-Side track on the "Frozen"
single off the next album) and one other yet unnamed track. Long before the new album's release, however, "The Howling" was first released on the internet in a video to promote
the game.
Having effectively conquered Europe, Within Temptation's last frontier would be the United States and Canada. In December of '06, the band was signed by the major rock-oriented label, Roadrunner Records (which is now majority-owned by Warner Music Group) for distribution in North America. This would have no effect on their deal with GUN/Sony BMG, who will continue to distribute their music in Europe and Japan.
(Ironically, Roadrunner Records was originally founded in the Netherlands during the 1980's and established itself as a label that imported American heavy metal into Europe.
In recent years, it has been doing the opposite in many cases, importing the wildly-successful European metal acts into North America, including Finland's Nightwish, Italy's Lacuna Coil,
and now the Netherlands' own Within Temptation. However, the company has remained true to its roots as a rock/metal oriented label through the ups and downs of the genre and continues to
be run by its original founder, Cees Wessels, as managing director.)
In keeping with their entrance into the North American market, the band also signed with Pinnacle Entertainment to serve as their American booking agency.
During the year, Sharon also appeared on Delain's first album, "Lucidity", on the track "No Compliance" in a duet with Nightwish's bassist and male vocalist, Marco Hietala. Delain was formed as the new project of Robert's brother, Martijn Westerholt (former keyboardist of Within Temptation), after his departure in 2001. It's a female-fronted gothic metal band currently signed with Roadrunner Records. Other notable appearances on the album include Liv Kristine of Leave's Eyes fame and others from the European metal scene.
In January, the band won the "Dutch Pop Prize 2005" for Best Dutch Pop Contribution over the past year. On February 6th, they received the "Dutch Export Prize" for the third year in a row. They also won the "Golden God Award" from UK's Metal Hammer Magazine for Best Video (Angels) and the 3MF Award in Amsterdam for the Best Rock Artist category.
The band began work on their next major album, "The Heart Of Everything", as they embarked on a major tour in April. In June, they made their usual round of major European rock festivals, and later played in Japan for the first time.
During the year, the band recorded three songs for the "Chronicles of Spellborn" PC game, an MMORPG (or Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). The three tracks included
"The Howling" (which was later included on the next album and also released as a single), "Sounds of Freedom" (later released as a B-Side track on the "Frozen"
single off the next album) and one other yet unnamed track. Long before the new album's release, however, "The Howling" was first released on the internet in a video to promote
the game.Having effectively conquered Europe, Within Temptation's last frontier would be the United States and Canada. In December of '06, the band was signed by the major rock-oriented label, Roadrunner Records (which is now majority-owned by Warner Music Group) for distribution in North America. This would have no effect on their deal with GUN/Sony BMG, who will continue to distribute their music in Europe and Japan.
(Ironically, Roadrunner Records was originally founded in the Netherlands during the 1980's and established itself as a label that imported American heavy metal into Europe.
In recent years, it has been doing the opposite in many cases, importing the wildly-successful European metal acts into North America, including Finland's Nightwish, Italy's Lacuna Coil,
and now the Netherlands' own Within Temptation. However, the company has remained true to its roots as a rock/metal oriented label through the ups and downs of the genre and continues to
be run by its original founder, Cees Wessels, as managing director.)In keeping with their entrance into the North American market, the band also signed with Pinnacle Entertainment to serve as their American booking agency.
During the year, Sharon also appeared on Delain's first album, "Lucidity", on the track "No Compliance" in a duet with Nightwish's bassist and male vocalist, Marco Hietala. Delain was formed as the new project of Robert's brother, Martijn Westerholt (former keyboardist of Within Temptation), after his departure in 2001. It's a female-fronted gothic metal band currently signed with Roadrunner Records. Other notable appearances on the album include Liv Kristine of Leave's Eyes fame and others from the European metal scene.
2007 - THE HEART OF EVERYTHING AND THE FIRST NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
In January, the band won the "Dutch Export Prize" for the fourth year in a row. During the month, "Stand My Ground" was used in the trailer for the movie "Blood and Chocolate" in the US and Canada.
In February, before the release of the new album, its first single "What Have You Done" (featuring Keith Caputo) was released and hit #1 in Austria, the Top 10 singles in the Netherlands and Finland, and the Top 40 singles in Germany.
On March 9th, "The Heart Of Everything" album was released in Europe under GUN/Sony BMG. It debuted at #1 in the Dutch Album 100 chart (making it their second #1 album in their
home country); reached #2 in Belgium and Finland; Top 5 in Japan, Sweden, Portugal and Germany; Top 10 in Switzerland; Top 15 in Austria and Czech Republic; and Top 30 in Spain, Norway
and France. It also placed #5 in the European Album Charts and was the first Dutch band to enter the United World Chart on the first week at #38 with 50,000 copies sold. By the end of the
first month, it sold over 150,000 copies internationally.
During the months of March and April '07, the band embarked on a major European tour of 38 shows, all sold out.
On April 15th, they won the 3FM Award for Best Rock Artist.
Between May 7th and June 7th, Within Temptation toured in the United States and Canada for the first time. As a support act for Lacuna Coil, they sold out in Virginia, New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
In June, the second European single off the new album, "Frozen" enters the Top 30 singles in the Netherlands. It was announced that all proceeds that the band would receive from
GUN/Sony BMG for this single's release would be donated to Child Helpline International. "The Howling" was released in the UK as a digital single instead. Meanwhile,
Roadrunner/Warner Music released "The Howling EP" (a special edition disc exclusively sold to Hot Topic stores in the United States, featuring the title track and all the European
singles from "The Silent Force" album, plus "Jillian", and the music video for "What Have You Done") as an early preview for the American market.
During the summer, the band made its European festival rounds, including England's Download Festival, Bilbao BBK Live, Novarock, Pinkpop and Rockperry.
On July 2nd, the first single to be released in the United States, "What Have You Done" ft. Keith Caputo, was shipped to rock radio stations across the country. On July 24th, "The Heart Of Everything" album was released in the United States and Canada under Roadrunner Records/Warner Music Group. In its first week, the album hit #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart in the United States.
The band's first headlining tour in North America was announced with dates between September 5th until the 23rd, hitting the continent's major cities including New York City and Toronto, before returning to Europe for larger venue shows to finish off the year.
In January, the band won the "Dutch Export Prize" for the fourth year in a row. During the month, "Stand My Ground" was used in the trailer for the movie "Blood and Chocolate" in the US and Canada.
In February, before the release of the new album, its first single "What Have You Done" (featuring Keith Caputo) was released and hit #1 in Austria, the Top 10 singles in the Netherlands and Finland, and the Top 40 singles in Germany.
On March 9th, "The Heart Of Everything" album was released in Europe under GUN/Sony BMG. It debuted at #1 in the Dutch Album 100 chart (making it their second #1 album in their
home country); reached #2 in Belgium and Finland; Top 5 in Japan, Sweden, Portugal and Germany; Top 10 in Switzerland; Top 15 in Austria and Czech Republic; and Top 30 in Spain, Norway
and France. It also placed #5 in the European Album Charts and was the first Dutch band to enter the United World Chart on the first week at #38 with 50,000 copies sold. By the end of the
first month, it sold over 150,000 copies internationally.During the months of March and April '07, the band embarked on a major European tour of 38 shows, all sold out.
On April 15th, they won the 3FM Award for Best Rock Artist.
Between May 7th and June 7th, Within Temptation toured in the United States and Canada for the first time. As a support act for Lacuna Coil, they sold out in Virginia, New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
In June, the second European single off the new album, "Frozen" enters the Top 30 singles in the Netherlands. It was announced that all proceeds that the band would receive from
GUN/Sony BMG for this single's release would be donated to Child Helpline International. "The Howling" was released in the UK as a digital single instead. Meanwhile,
Roadrunner/Warner Music released "The Howling EP" (a special edition disc exclusively sold to Hot Topic stores in the United States, featuring the title track and all the European
singles from "The Silent Force" album, plus "Jillian", and the music video for "What Have You Done") as an early preview for the American market.During the summer, the band made its European festival rounds, including England's Download Festival, Bilbao BBK Live, Novarock, Pinkpop and Rockperry.
On July 2nd, the first single to be released in the United States, "What Have You Done" ft. Keith Caputo, was shipped to rock radio stations across the country. On July 24th, "The Heart Of Everything" album was released in the United States and Canada under Roadrunner Records/Warner Music Group. In its first week, the album hit #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart in the United States.
The band's first headlining tour in North America was announced with dates between September 5th until the 23rd, hitting the continent's major cities including New York City and Toronto, before returning to Europe for larger venue shows to finish off the year.