Origin (Evanescence album)
Origin is the first demo album by the American rock band Evanescence. Although initially deemed the group's debut album, it has since been considered a demo. It was self-released in 2000, with approximately 50 copies having been made. The Bigwig Enterprises website sold the demo album in limited numbers. Background. Manufactured by a friend, this rough-draft full-length debut had only a few thousand copies made of the album and were being sold for on eBay immediately following "Fallen"s release. Although it is commonly referred to as a full-length album, lead vocalist and  co-founder Amy Lee refers to it as a "dressed up" demo CD, and urges fans to simply download the album, rather than purchase it. It contains earlier versions of "Whisper", "Imaginary", and "My Immortal", which appeared on the band's debut studio album, "Fallen", as well as a re-recorded version of the track "Where Will You Go", which previously appeared on the "Evanescence" EP released in 1998. One known track omitted was "Catherine". "Anywhere" originally featured Ben Moody as backup vocals rather than David Hodges found on the official vinyl release. Release. "Origin" was released commercially for the  first time in December 2016 as a part of "The Ultimate Collection" vinyl box set. In an interview, Lee explained why she included it on the box set:It's something I've always cringed about because ever since we made a real studio album and honed in our sound and became Evanescence and made "Fallen", I'm like, 'OK, everything before this we were just practicing.' But many fans love "Origin" and talk about "Origin" and wish "Origin" would be released. I've been against it for 13 years, but for the first time I guess I have enough  separation from it to look at it and feel like, 'Y'know what? I see why that's cool. As a fan, I want to listen to that too.' So having that whole change of heart was really huge. Singles. "Whisper" was released as the lead single from "Origin", and was also released on their debut album "Fallen". Critical reception. "Spin" magazine's Melissa Maerz graded the album two out of five stars and wrote, "Manufactured by a friend, this rough-draft full-length debut features stripped down versions of "Fallen" hits such as 'Whisper' and 'My Immortal'." Personnel. Credits adapted  from the liner notes of "Origin". Evanescence Additional musicians Technical