Paradise (What About Us?)

Paradise (What About Us?) is a pivotal EP in Within Temptation's discography, serving as the lead-in to their sixth studio album, Hydra. The release is most notable for its title track, which features Tarja Turunen (ex-Nightwish), marking a historic collaboration between the two most prominent frontwomen in the symphonic metal genre. Sonically, the EP reflects the band's shift toward a more diverse sound, incorporating elements of alternative rock and modern metal while maintaining their signature orchestral foundations. The inclusion of three demo tracks - 'Let Us Burn', 'Silver Moonlight', and 'Dog Days' - provides insight into the band's songwriting process, showcasing a heavier, more guitar-centric approach than their earlier, more gothic-leaning work. Critics generally praised the collaboration as a 'dream come true' for fans, noting the seamless blend of den Adel's ethereal delivery and Turunen's powerful operatic style.