Evanescence's Amy Lee Talks 'New Energy' of Upcoming Album 'Sanctuary'

The singer discusses the band's creative process and how the new music serves as a 'sanctuary' during chaotic times.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass fragments reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the powerful emotions and creative energy behind Evanescence's new album.The shattered, glittering textures of Evanescence's 'Sanctuary' album artwork capture the raw emotion and creative energy behind the band's latest musical offering.Los Angeles Today

Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee sat down with Audacy's Kevin Ryder to discuss the band's upcoming album 'Sanctuary,' set for release on June 5. Lee described a 'huge creative burst' during the recording process, working with multiple producers to capture a 'new energy' in the music. She explained that the album's title track is about 'breaking through the lies to what's real' and providing a 'sanctuary of truth and community' amidst the chaos of the current world.

Why it matters

Evanescence has been a prominent rock act for over 20 years, and the release of a new album is always highly anticipated by their loyal fanbase. This interview provides insight into the creative mindset and inspirations behind the band's latest work, which seems to reflect the challenging times we're living in and the role music can play in providing solace and meaning.

The details

Lee revealed that Evanescence collaborated with producers Nick Raskulinecz, Zakk Cervini, and Jordan Fish on the new album, resulting in a 'huge creative burst' and 'new energy' in the music. The first single, 'Who Will You Follow,' is described as being about 'breaking through the lies to what's real' and the 'surreal, violent time' we're living in. The album title 'Sanctuary' signifies the music providing a safe space 'not an escape from this chaotic, surreal, violent time, but escape from the lies' and a place for Lee to express herself without censorship.

  • Evanescence's new album 'Sanctuary' is set to be released on June 5, 2026.
  • The band recently offered the first official sample of the new album.

The players

Amy Lee

The lead vocalist and co-founder of the rock band Evanescence.

Kevin Ryder

The Audacy radio host who interviewed Amy Lee about the new Evanescence album.

Nick Raskulinecz

One of the producers who collaborated with Evanescence on the 'Sanctuary' album.

Zakk Cervini

One of the producers who collaborated with Evanescence on the 'Sanctuary' album.

Jordan Fish

One of the producers who collaborated with Evanescence on the 'Sanctuary' album.

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What they’re saying

“We've worked with some incredible people this time around, Three producers actually. So as a team, being in there with them and creating these songs, and we just had a huge creative burst. It has been, just a, I don't know, like a new energy. It's hard to really explain, but it feels really special.”

— Amy Lee, Evanescence Frontwoman

“I feel like we're just inundated with so much information now, with people that have a stake in what we believe. It feels like truth is for sale. So this for me is about breaking through that into the real world and, the album, you know, it's called 'Sanctuary,' it's like that. It's a sanctuary, not an escape from this chaotic, surreal, violent time, but escape from the lies, saying that we're not living in that crazy time.”

— Amy Lee, Evanescence Frontwoman

“It is a sanctuary of truth and community. Moving from the song to album, I just feel like this music is a sanctuary for me. It has been. It is every time, you know, last time we made an album, it was the pandemic hitting all around us at the same time and kind of wondering what's next and how do we go on tour and will things ever be normal again.”

— Amy Lee, Evanescence Frontwoman

What’s next

Evanescence is expected to promote the new 'Sanctuary' album with a tour, though specific dates have not yet been announced.

The takeaway

Evanescence's new album 'Sanctuary' seems to reflect the band's desire to provide a 'sanctuary of truth and community' for listeners during a chaotic and divisive time. The creative process behind the album also appears to have reinvigorated the band, with Amy Lee describing a 'new energy' and 'huge creative burst' in the studio.