The Unforgiving
by Within Temptation
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
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  1. Revolver
    Apr 8, 2011
    60
    While her vocals alone are unlikely to gain Within Temptation too many new listeners, fans who have stuck with the band throughout their career will likely forgive The Unforgiving's occasional missteps.
  2. PopMatters
    May 9, 2011
    80
    Coupled with the short films and the comic book that are companion pieces to the album, The Unforgiving is much more than just an excellent record. It is an all-encompassing audio-visual experience that will leave its audience breathless for a long time to come.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Apr 8, 2011
    80
    The end result is that The Unforgiving is easily Within Temptation's most ambitious record, an album that benefits from an increased energy level and strong songwriting in order to deliver a collection of the band's strongest songs to date.
  5. Rock Sound
    Apr 8, 2011
    90
    The dark-hued, hard rocking glory of 'Sinead' and the Evanescence-bothering theatrics of 'A Demon's Fate' should draw Within Temptation a wider audience, but it's the ferocious guitar/keyboard attack of the blazing 'In The Middle Of The Night' that might coax most bullet belts out of retirement.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 8, 2011
    60
    Because however cheesy, however smothered in Eighties patische, what Within Temptation have done is write a collection of killer melodies that are so strong it's almost impossible to sniff at them. I just wish they'd done it with a little more of a personal flourish.
  7. AllMusic
    Apr 8, 2011
    70
    A concept album that doesn't get weighed down by the story line is a rarity, but it is something that Within Temptation succeed at with The Unforgiving.
  8. Q Magazine
    May 18, 2011
    20
    The Unforgiving's rampaging orchestral stabs and hysterical synths, coupled with Sharon den Adel's fevered vocal flourishes, make for awful Euro-pop with the odd distorted guitar. [May 2011, p.115]
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  9. Kerrang!
    Apr 8, 2011
    60
    On the whole, though, while this is flawless and expertly crafted, it's also pretty unsatisfying. [26 Mar 2011, p.52]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 2 out of 34
  1. ShaneGreyFox
    Apr 25, 2011
    7
    I've listened to Within Temptation for a couple of years now and I've come to believe that they have a total of about 10 distinct and originalI've listened to Within Temptation for a couple of years now and I've come to believe that they have a total of about 10 distinct and original songs that stand out from the rest of their tracks. Most of their music tends to sound repetitive at times but that does not mean they do not have talent. I respect WT as a band and have to say that they are probably one of the best examples of the symphonic goth style bands. The Unforgiving is basically a dip into the 80's, where the band sounds a little less themselves and more pulsing and electronic. The best song by far on The Unforgiving is "A Shot in the Dark"; buy that song on itunes and you'll have the best The Unforgiving has to offer. The best album release by WT to date is probably The Heart of Everything; if you want to actually buy a full album then go for that one. I highly recommend the band, but not so much The Unforgiving, it's probably one of WT's weaker albums. Here are Within Temptation's top songs in my opinion (try listening to a few):
    1 The Howling
    2 Angels
    3 What Have You Done
    4 Our Solemn Hour
    5 Ice Queen
    6 Shot In the Dark
    7 Mother Earth
    8 The Heart of Everything
    9 Frozen
    10 Memories    … Full Review »
  2. damicosta02
    Mar 18, 2021
    9
    This is probably their best album and I fell in love with "Shot in the Dark", which is one of the most beautiful song I've ever heard. AmongThis is probably their best album and I fell in love with "Shot in the Dark", which is one of the most beautiful song I've ever heard. Among the others I find also enjoyable "Fire and Ice", "Sinéad" and "Faster".… Full Review »
  3. Kai82
    Jan 26, 2020
    9
    The fifth album of the Dutch symphonic metal band. It was planned as concept album or even as soundtrack for a movie but the later idea wasThe fifth album of the Dutch symphonic metal band. It was planned as concept album or even as soundtrack for a movie but the later idea was given up. The concept idea is about people that have done bad things because of poor decisions. The title “The Unforgiving” is absolute fitting for this. Cause you can relate it to bad decisions that haunt you forever, revenge / vengeance and the cruel hand of fate. It starts with the atmospheric intro “Why not me” and continues with the three good songs “Shot in the Dark”, “In the middle of the Night” and “Faster” which set the tone for the album. Then come my 3 favourite songs “Iron”, “Where is the edge” and “Sinehead”. These three alone are worth to own the album. The next 4 songs are all good with”A demons fate” as highlight and the other favourite song for me. Overall this is a good concept album and enjoyable if you like the style of Nightwish or Blind Guardian.… Full Review »
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