Within Temptation consists of Ivar De (drums), Jelle Bakker (guitar), Jeroen Van (bass), Martijn Spierenburg (keyboards), Robert Westerholt (guitar), Sharon Den (vocals).
Within Temptation is a band from the Netherlands. Founded by guitarist Robert Westerholt and vocalist Sharon den Adel, their music is variously described as symphonic metal with gothic metal influences.
Long-term partners Westerholt (on guitar) and den Adel ( vocals) began the band in 1996, quickly adding Jeroen van Veen on bass guitar, Martijn Spierenburg at the keyboard and (following a succession of short lived- drummers), Ivar de Graaf. They were quickly offered a recording contract and signed to DSFA Records later that year, beginning work on their first release.
Enter, the debut album, was released in 1997. The album was well received and the band embarked on a four gig tour across the country, after which they were asked to perform at the Dynamo Open Air festival in Eindhoven, one of the Netherlands' largest heavy metal festivals. The band rounded out 1997 by embarking on their first international tour, of Germany and Austria.
In 1998 the band continued to tour actively - their profile had elevated them to the main stage at Dynamo for the 1998 event. However, Within Temptation had released no new material (and did not have plans for a second album at this point), to which end they elected to release an EP, The Dance.
Finally taking a break from touring, 1999 was largely a sabbatical year for the band. They took the opportunity to construct their own studio, as well as returning to personal pursuits, with plans to return to the fold the next year.
