Evanescence debut album, Fallen, turned nine-years old today and I am in utter disbelief. This band, if you didn’t know already, has been an incredible influence to me, not only musically and lyrically, but also in life in general. Amy Lee’s passion, especially in her writing, changed the way I view music and the world.

I remember when I heard Evanescence for the first time. It was 2003 and I was eleven going on twelve. I was watching a music channel called The Box and “Bring Me to Life” came on the screen. My mind was blown. I remember finding a female opera-style vocalist singing a rock song completely fascinating. At first, I even thought Amy Lee was providing guest vocals on the song - Evanescence featuring Amy Lee - but no, she was in the band and I was amazed how it fit beautifully. I had never heard anything like it before and I fell in love with it.

Since a very young age, I had always been very interested in music. I was a pop boy, loving bands such as S Club 7 and Britney Spears. The moment I heard “Bring Me to Life”, however, I suddenly broadened my musical interest and began listening to rock as well as all types of music. It really opened up a new door, which I am still exploring to this day.

When Fallen was released, however, I did not buy it straight away. I think it was only when “Going Under” was released that a friend of mine at school lent me her copy of the CD. I was straight away falling for this record and stayed in my portable CD player for a good few months before my friend asked for it back (which is when I finally bought my own copy of the CD).

The music was raw and honest. It was dark and mysterious which, in some way, scared me…but I liked it. I started to actually feel something when listening to a song. Instead of enjoying a song because it had a good beat, but because I could relate to it. Finding myself in the lyrics on a very personal level, and for an eleven/twelve-year old, was very powerful.

Evanescence quickly became my therapy. I would listen to a song for comfort if I were sad, alone or even just to understand my feelings. I definitely found myself in their music and I grew from it. It changed me. In some way it altered my perception on life. Their music really banished my innocence that life is not that easy, but it can get better. When it came to me confronting my own struggles I was prepared and listening to their songs really helped me deal with difficult situations.

I had the absolute honour of meeting Amy Lee on two separate occasions: the World Premiere of The Open Door at The New Players Theatre, London on 6th September 2006 and at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo on 5th November 2011. Both times, my heart was filled. Meeting my idol, being able to talk to her and witness the music I had adored being performed in front of my eyes was a complete privilege and I will never forget it.

I am an aspiring writer and it would not have been for Amy Lee’s poetic lyrics. I would not be sitting here in my own house in London, studying Creative Writing at university if it wasn’t for her. I owe Amy, and the band, so much and I will support the band until the end. I could not imagine my life without their music, but I am so glad I found them.

So, I would like to end by simple saying Happy Birthday, Fallen! To Evanescence, good luck with everything and I am looking forward to what else you have in store for the future.