The Evil in You

Released in 2003, The Evil in You is the fifth studio album by German metal outfit At Vance and marks a significant turning point with the introduction of vocalist Mats Levén. Replacing Oliver Hartmann, Levén brought a bluesier, grittier edge to the band's established neoclassical power metal sound, creating a compelling contrast with Olaf Lenk's clean, baroque-influenced guitar compositions. The album is notable for its inclusion of 'Caprice No. 16', a direct nod to Lenk's classical influences and a staple of his shred-heavy reputation. Critically, the album was praised for maintaining the band's high technical standards while evolving into a slightly darker, more mature sonic territory. It stands as a definitive document of the early 2000s European metal scene, blending the melodic sensibilities of hard rock with the speed and complexity of symphonic power metal.