Talking to Classic Rock, vocalist Sharon den Adel says: “We’ve tried to do concept albums before, but have always had to give up. Because I get bored, and can’t write more than one song about the same subject! Maybe we’ll have to abandon it again, but we’re having a go.”

The Dutch symphonic metalheads won’t be releasing the new album until next October, preferring to take their time in the studio. In the meantime, they’re releasing the live record 'An Acoustic Night At The Theatre' on November 2. This was recorded live in Eindhoven on November 30 last year.

“We tried to come up with a clever title, but nothing seemed to work. So we’ve settled for something that says what it does. Nobody can argue they’re being misled!”

There’s one new song here, titled 'Utopia'. And, says the delightful den Adel, this will be the only time the band record it.

“This won’t be on the next album, as it won’t fit. And I can’t ever see us doing this again in the studio. So, it is exclusive to the record.”

Within Temptation are planning some acoustic shows around Europe next April. So far, 18 dates have been booked.