The Bitter Truth

{{short description|2021 studio album by Evanescence}} {{other uses|Bitter Truth (disambiguation){{!}}Bitter Truth}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Infobox album | name = The Bitter Truth | type = studio | artist = Evanescence | cover = EvanescenceTheBitterTruth.png | alt = A woman is showing her lower face as she is against a black background. She is opening her mouth, exposing a pill above her tongue with a drawn face in it. The words "Evanescence" are placed above her while the words "The Bitter Truth" are placed beneath her, stylized in all capital letters. | released = {{Start date|2021|03|26}} | recorded = January–November 2020 | studio = * Rock Falcon, Nashville * Blackbird, Nashville * Ocean Way, Nashville | genre = * Alternative metal * gothic metal * hard rock | length = 47:19 | label = BMG | producer = Nick Raskulinecz | prev_title = Synthesis | prev_year = 2017 | next_title = Sanctuary | next_year = 2026 | misc = {{Singles | name = The Bitter Truth | type = studio | single1 = Wasted on You | single1date = April 24, 2020 | single2 = The Game Is Over | single2date = July 1, 2020 | single3 = Use My Voice | single3date = August 14, 2020 | single4 = Better Without You | single4date = March 5, 2021  }} }}

'''''The Bitter Truth''''' is the fifth studio album by American rock band Evanescence. After pandemic delays, it was released on March 26, 2021, through BMG Rights Management. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, it is primarily an alternative metal album, following the band's 2017 orchestral-electronic album ''Synthesis''. '' The Bitter Truth'' received a generally positive critical reception. It reached number 11 on the US ''Billboard'' 200, top five on the ''Billboard'' Independent, Alternative, Hard Rock, and Rock Albums charts, and the top 10 of multiple international album charts.

==Background and recording== Lead vocalist Amy Lee first spoke about a new studio album for the band in July 2018. In an interview with Detroit radio station WRIF, Lee confirmed that the band planned to work on a new album following the end of their tour in support of ''Synthesis''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Radio Chatter with Amy Lee from Evanescence |date=July 9, 2018 |url=https://wrif.com/episodes/radio-chatter-amy-lee-evanescence/ |publisher=101 WRIF}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EVANESCENCE's AMY LEE: 'The Plan Is For Us To Work On A New Album Next' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/evanescences-amy-lee-the-plan-is-for-us-to-work-on-a-new-album-next/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=July 11, 2018 |accessdate=December 29, 2020}}</ref>

In an interview with Sirius XM backstage at Epicenter Festival at Rockingham Speedway in May 2019, Lee again confirmed that a new album was in the works.<ref>{{cite web |title=Amy Lee of Evanescence Talks Upcoming Album & More |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvCeoJw6lCc |website=YouTube |publisher=Sirius XM}}</ref> Blabbermouth.net reported that Lee was hoping the album would be ready for release in 2020. "We're just gonna get together and see what happens this month," she said, "and start doing that more regularly until we feel like we're ready to do it."<ref>{{cite web |title=AMY LEE: EVANESCENCE Will 'Hopefully' Release New Album In 2020 |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/amy-lee-evanescence-will-hopefully-release-new-album-in-2020/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=May 11, 2019 |accessdate=December 29, 2020}}</ref>

Lee then provided an update on the album in November 2019, while taking part in a Reddit AMA.<ref>{{cite web |title=I am Amy Lee from Evanescence, our new song "The Chain (from Gears 5)" is out tonight! AMA |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/dzqjla/i_am_amy_lee_from_evanescence_our_new_song_the/f89t1z7/?sort=confidence |website=Reddit |date = November 21, 2019|accessdate=December 29, 2020}}</ref> Responding to a question pertaining to new music from the band, Lee commented that she was "absolutely living in it" and was "listen[ing] to our new music every day."<ref name="kerrang">{{cite web |title=9 Things We Learned From Evanescence's Amy Lee's Reddit AMA |url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/9-things-we-learned-from-evanescences-amy-lees-reddit-ama/ |website=Kerrang! |date=November 22, 2019 |accessdate=December 29, 2020}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|text=I can't wait for you to hear it. It's dark and heavy. Its also got moments of weird and sparse. Little bit of everything. Definitely some of ''The Open Door'' vibes but not the same.<ref name="kerrang" />}}

The band entered the studio in January 2020 with Nick Raskulinecz,<ref name="wfpk">{{cite web|last1=Meredith|first1=Kyle|date=February 22, 2020|title=Evanescence on the Influence of Stevie Nicks and Portishead|url=https://consequence.net/2020/01/kyle-meredith-with-evanescence/|website=Consequence of Sound|publisher=WFPK Radio|accessdate=December 29, 2020}}</ref> with whom they had previously worked on 2011's ''Evanescence''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Goodwyn |first1=Tom |title=Hear Evanescence's comeback single 'What You Want' – audio |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/evanescence-16-1276830 |website=NME |date=August 9, 2011 |publisher=BandLab Technologies |accessdate=December 29, 2020}}</ref> Although originally planning to work with several producers across the album,<ref name="wfpk" /> the band's plans changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This then turned Raskulinecz into ''The Bitter Truth''{{`}}s sole producer. In August, the U.S.-based band members returned into the studio to finish writing and recording after taking COVID tests, and German guitarist Jen Majura had to work remotely.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Spanos|first=Brittany |date=2020-11-16|title=Evanescence's Amy Lee Gets Back to Life|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/evanescence-amy-lee-interview-bitter-truth-1088593/|access-date=2021-04-25|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref> On September 9, the album was nearing completion, with "70% done".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Garner|first=George|date=2020-09-09|title=Evanescence: Why Amy Lee is done being silent|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/evanescence-why-amy-lee-is-done-being-silent/|access-date=2021-04-25|website=Kerrang!}}</ref> Recording was completed in November.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Titus|first=Christa|date=2021-04-02|title=The Not-So 'Bitter Truth' About Evanescence's First Album of New Music in a Decade|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/evanescence-amy-lee-talks-bitter-truth-9550318/|access-date=2021-04-25|magazine=Billboard|language=en}}</ref>

The album was announced in April 2020, and was originally planned for release in late 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Badra |first1=Cat |title=EVANESCENCE ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, 'THE BITTER TRUTH'; READIES NEW SINGLE |url=http://audioinkradio.com/2020/04/evanescence-new-album-the-bitter-truth-readies-new-single/ |website=Audio Ink Radio |date=April 20, 2020 |accessdate=December 27, 2020}}</ref> The pandemic delayed the album's completion, however, and eventually pushed it to a March 2021 release.<ref>{{cite web |title=50 MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS OF 2021 IN ALTERNATIVE, METAL AND BEYOND |url=https://www.altpress.com/features/upcoming-rock-alternative-albums-2021/ |website=Alternative Press |date=December 16, 2020 |accessdate=December 27, 2020}}</ref>

Lee talked about the core theme of the album:

{{Blockquote|text=A lot of this album is about face the truth, face the bitter truths of our world and of my life and of heart. Whatever the cost of that might be on the inside. So then we can start talking about climbing out. Then we can start talking about getting to a better place. You can't appreciate the beauty of life, you can't fully experience all the good moments in life if you don't also fully experience the challenging ones, the tough ones, the painful ones.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baltin|first=Steve|date=2021-03-25|title=Q&A: How Evanescence's Amy Lee Got Her Groove Back On 'The Bitter Truth'|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2021/03/25/qa-how-evanescences-amy-lee-got-her-groove-back-on-the-bitter-truth/|access-date=2021-04-25|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref>}}

==Composition== The album is described as alternative metal,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hobson|first=Rich|date=December 16, 2021|title=Top 10 alt-metal albums of 2021|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/top-10-alt-metal-albums-of-2021|access-date=December 21, 2021|publisher=Metal Hammer}}</ref> gothic metal,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/evanescence-bitter-truth-album-review-1147411/|title=Evanescence Search for Goth-Metal Meaning on 'The Bitter Truth'|last=Dolan|first=Jon|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 7, 2021|access-date=August 26, 2021}}</ref> heavy metal,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://i.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/300271599/evanescences-amy-lee-finds-a-new-voice-on-new-album-the-bitter-truth|title=Evanescence's Amy Lee finds a new voice on new album The Bitter Truth|last=Exposito|first=Suzy|date=April 19, 2021|access-date=August 26, 2021}}</ref> and hard rock.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/8736970c-0080-4a12-a6ee-ca318a44644b|title=Evanescence's The Bitter Truth is bombastic, ordinary hard-rock|website=Financial Times|last=Hunter-Tilney|first=Ludovic|date=March 26, 2021|access-date=March 26, 2021}}</ref>

Amy Lee disclosed the inspiration behind the new songs in a ''Marie Claire'' interview:

{{Blockquote|text="There are songs that are a part of this album that have been in the works for a decade, and songs that just started up this year. I get inspired being in nature, walking through the woods, looking up close at weird bugs." But her biggest inspirations are the emotional experiences she's had in her life, something that makes Evanescence's music "as dramatic as it is." "Things like losing someone you love, being a part of creating a new life. [They] rock me on a deep level to a point where I feel like I have to make music."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Ilana |date=2020-08-19 |title=The Rebirth of Evanescence's Amy Lee |url=https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a33590771/evanescence-amy-lee-new-album-the-bitter-truth/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Marie Claire Magazine |language=en}}</ref>}}

"Yeah Right", "Feeding the Dark", and "Take Cover", the latter previously debuted live in the 2016 live shows, were originally written for the 2011 self-titled album, but were reworked a decade later.<ref>{{Cite web |first= |date=2020-12-04 |title=Yeah right was a song I started 10 years ago with our good friend Will B. Hunt (the other one! Synthesis/DTM etc). After our self titled album went in a different direction... |url=https://twitter.com/evanescence/status/1334976374113665026 |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lach |first=Stef |date=2016-11-16 |title=Evanescence inspired by reaction to new song Take Cover |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/evanescence-inspired-by-reaction-to-new-song-take-cover |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=loudersound |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Garner |first=George |date=2021-03-10 |title="I needed to face the abyss head on": Evanescence's Bitter Truth laid… |url=https://www.kerrang.com/i-needed-to-face-the-abyss-head-on-evanescences-bitter-truth-laid-bare/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Kerrang! |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amondaray |first=Milagros |date=2021-03-26 |title=Amy Lee habla sobre el regreso de Evanescence: "Cuando nació la banda el rock era mainstream, ahora está en los márgenes" |url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/espectaculos/musica/amy-lee-habla-sobre-el-regreso-de-evanescence-cuando-nacio-la-banda-el-rock-era-mainstream-ahora-nid24032021/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=LA NACION |language=es}}</ref>

==Release and promotion== ''The Bitter Truth'' was first announced with the release of its lead single, "Wasted on You", in April 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Divita |first1=Joe |title=Amy Lee Shines In New Evanescence Song 'Wasted on You' |url=https://loudwire.com/evanescence-wasted-on-you-lyrics/ |website=Loudwire |date=April 24, 2020 |accessdate=December 27, 2020}}</ref> Its second single, "The Game Is Over", followed in July.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Shaffer |first1=Clare |title=Evanescence Reject Unfair Rules on New Song 'The Game is Over' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/evanescence-the-game-is-over-1022021/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 2020 |accessdate=December 27, 2020}}</ref> The band released an additional two singles in August's "Use My Voice"<ref>{{cite web |last1=Neale |first1=Matthew |title=Evanescence's Amy Lee explains why she's speaking up about politics now |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/evanescences-amy-lee-explains-why-shes-speaking-up-about-politics-now-2735662 |website=NME |date=August 23, 2020 |publisher=BandLab Technologies |accessdate=December 27, 2020}}</ref> and December's "Yeah Right" (as a promotional single).<ref name="yeahright">{{cite web |last1=English |first1=Laura |title=Evanescence Share New Single 'Yeah Right', Reveal Album Details |url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/evanescence-share-new-single-yeah-right-reveal-album-details/ |website=Music Feeds |date=December 6, 2020 |publisher=Evolve Media |accessdate=December 27, 2020}}</ref> The former featured guest vocalists from bands such as Veridia, Within Temptation, The Pretty Reckless and Halestorm.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Anna |title=Amy Lee, Lzzy Hale, Taylor Momsen and more unite in new Evanescence single 'Use My Voice' |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/evanescence-premieres-new-single-use-my-voice-featuring-lzzy-hale-taylor-momsen-more/ar-BB17XXm9 |website=MSN |publisher=Microsoft News |accessdate=August 14, 2020}}</ref> The latter, meanwhile, was released to coincide with the announcement of the album's tracklist and release date.<ref name="yeahright" /> The fourth single, "Better Without You", was released on March 5, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Listen to Amy Lee's fierce declaration of independence on Evanescence's new single, Better Without You |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/listen-to-amy-lees-fierce-declaration-of-independence-on-evanescences-new-single-better-without-you |website=Louder Sound |date=March 5, 2021 |access-date=March 26, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

To promote the album in advance, the band performed the first single "Wasted on You" at the ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' show on February 19, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Friday, Feb. 19 Kate Hudson ("Music"), Dominique Fishback ("Judas and the Black Messiah"), Musical Guest Evanescence |url=https://abc.com/news/f27c9393-b64b-4ecf-a13a-4e4189bdca48/category/154926 |website=ABC |publisher=Jimmy Kimmel Live |access-date=February 23, 2021}}</ref> The band also toured Europe in 2022, in a co-headlining tour alongside Within Temptation.<ref name="COVID19-2" >{{cite web|title=Evanescence And Within Temptation Postpone Worlds Collide Tour To 2021|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/evanescence-and-within-temptation-postpone-worlds-collide-tour-to-2021/|work=Kerrang!|date=June 22, 2020|access-date=June 22, 2020|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=April 2021|title=Evanescence and Within Temptation push back European tour to 2022|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/evanescence-and-within-temptation-push-back-european-tour-to-2022|access-date=2021-04-25|website=Metal Hammer Magazine|language=en}}</ref> The tour "The Bitter Truth Tour" began on 5 November 2021 in Portland, United States, just over seven months after the album's release, on a joint stage with Halestorm. The tour could only start in November due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the music industry during this period. This tour also brought a large production to the live shows and marked the band's first performance in the European country of Luxembourg, ending in the city of Recife, Brazil on 28 October 2023 after 124 concerts had taken place.

==Reception== ===Critical reception=== {{Music ratings | ADM = 6.5/10<ref name="ADM">{{cite web |title=The Bitter Truth by Evanescence reviews {{!}} Any Decent Music |url=http://anydecentmusic.com/review/12791/Evanescence-The-Bitter-Truth-.aspx |website=AnyDecentMusic? |access-date=8 July 2022 |date=2021}}</ref> | MC = 78/100<ref name="meta">{{cite web |title=''The Bitter Truth'' Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More |publisher=Metacritic |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/the-bitter-truth/evanescence |access-date=May 8, 2021}}</ref> | rev1 = AllMusic | rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="allmusic"/> | rev2 = ''Atwood Magazine'' | rev2score = {{Rating|8.3|10}}<ref name="Atwood"/> | rev3 = ''Consequence of Sound'' | rev3score = A−<ref name="cos"/> | rev4 = ''The Daily Telegraph'' | rev4score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="thetelegraph"/> | rev5 = ''Gigwise'' | rev5score = {{Rating|7|10}}<ref name="Gigwise"/> | rev6 = ''Hysteria Magazine'' | rev6score = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |title=EVANESCENCE // The Bitter Truth |url=https://www.hysteriamag.com/evanescence-bitter-truth/ |website=Hysteria Magazine |access-date=March 25, 2021 |date=March 23, 2021}}</ref> | rev7 = ''Kerrang!'' | rev7score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Kerrang"/> | rev8 = ''Metal Hammer'' | rev8score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="MH"/> | rev9 = ''Rolling Stone'' | rev9score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="RS"/> | rev10 = ''Upset Magazine'' | rev10score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://upsetmagazine.com/reviews/albums/evanescence-the-bitter-truth/|title=Evanescence – The Bitter Truth|work=Upset Magazine|date=March 18, 2021|access-date=June 30, 2023}}</ref> }}

''The Bitter Truth'' received a positive critical reception.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/apr/04/2-musicians-albums-earn-critics-lauds/|title=PAPER TRAILS: 2 musicians' albums earn critics' lauds|work=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette|date=April 4, 2021|access-date=January 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405043053/https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/apr/04/2-musicians-albums-earn-critics-lauds/|archive-date=April 5, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.therockpit.net/2021/evanescence-release-better-without-you-video-announce-free-livestream-event/|title=VIDEO: Evanescence release 'Better Without You' video & announce free livestream event|work=The Rockpit|date=April 19, 2021|accessdate=January 9, 2023}}</ref> On Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has a weighted average score of 78 based on eight reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref name="meta"/> Dannii Leivers of ''Metal Hammer'' deemed the album "darkly emotional, empowering and politically charged", which is "nestled between the bold and the familiar" and has "some surprises up its sleeve".<ref name="MH">{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/evanescence-the-bitter-truth-album-review|title=Evanescence's The Bitter Truth: an emotive and empowered rock album for our times|work=Metal Hammer|first=Dannii|last=Leivers|date=March 22, 2021|accessdate=January 9, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/every-evanescence-album-ranked-from-worst-to-best|title=Every Evanescence album ranked from worst to best|work=Metal Hammer|first=Dannii|last=Leivers|date=April 5, 2021|accessdate=January 9, 2023}}</ref> Writing for ''Rolling Stone'', Jon Dola complimented Lee's songwriting and her ability to "sound intimate and revealing even when the music engulfs her in a maelstrom", calling the album a "take-no-prisoners battle for redemption" that bares "life's battle scars".<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine|last=Dolan|first=Jon|title=Evanescence Search for Goth-Metal Meaning on 'The Bitter Truth'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/evanescence-bitter-truth-album-review-1147411/|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=July 8, 2022|date=April 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230064751/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/evanescence-bitter-truth-album-review-1147411/|archive-date=December 30, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''Renowned for Sound'', Mike Corner said the record "remains satisfyingly heavy throughout", and in combination with Lee's vocals it reminds how deftly Evanescence can "harness the power of heavy rock music".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://renownedforsound.com/album-review-evanescence-the-bitter-truth/|title=Album Review: Evanescence – The Bitter Truth|work=Renowned for Sound|first=Mike|last=Corner|date=2021|accessdate=January 9, 2023}}</ref>

Josh Weiner from ''Atwood Magazine'' praised the album's energy, instrumental work, emotional range and uplifting theme of perseverance, concluding that "Evanescence prove that they're still a hugely compelling act" and "all of the band's positive virtues have endured".<ref name="Atwood">{{cite web|url=https://atwoodmagazine.com/evbt-evanescence-the-bitter-truth-album-review/|title=Our Take: Evanescence Dazzle Like The Seasoned Rock Veterans They Are On 'The Bitter Truth'|work=Atwood Magazine|date=June 8, 2021|first=Josh|last=Weiner|accessdate=January 9, 2023}}</ref> ''Entertainment Weekly'' writer Sydney Bucksbaum said Lee's voice "has never sounded more passionate than it does on ''The Bitter Truth''".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/music/evanescence-amy-lee-voice-notes-the-bitter-truth/|title=Voice Notes: How Evanescence's Amy Lee brought her powerful vocals to life|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 23, 2021|first=Sydney|last=Bucksbaum|accessdate=January 9, 2023}}</ref> Neil McCormick of ''The Daily Telegraph'' felt that the mature tone and sharp lyrics "make up for an old-fashioned sound".<ref name="thetelegraph">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/bitter-truth-evanescence-review-crisis-faith-gives-edge-christian/|title=The Bitter Truth by Evanescence, review: a crisis of faith gives an edge to the Christian rock band's latest album|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Neil|last=McCormick|date=March 25, 2021|accessdate=March 29, 2021}}</ref> For ''Gigwise'', Vicky Greer regarded the album a "bold show of emotions that occasionally gets lost in translation" as the "vocals and lyrics are somewhat lost in production, lacking a certain emphasis – if you don’t listen at maximum volume, you might miss out on some of the finer details of the album."<ref name="Gigwise">{{cite web|url=https://gigwise.com/reviews/3397125/album-review-evanescence-the-bitter-truth|title=Album Review: Evanescence - The Bitter Truth|work=Gigwise|first=Vicky|last=Greer|date=March 22, 2021|accessdate=March 29, 2021|archive-date=March 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324040913/https://www.gigwise.com/reviews/3397125/album-review-evanescence-the-bitter-truth|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Los Angeles Times''{{'}}s Suzy Exposito said Lee wrote "her fiercest songs to date" and "Evanescence continues to own the space where frosty electronic currents collide with volcanic surges of metal catharsis and coagulate into hard rock candy".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-04-05/amy-lee-evanescence-q-a|title=Evanescence's Amy Lee finds a new voice in 'The Bitter Truth'|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 5, 2021|first=Suzy|last=Exposito|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521182727/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-04-05/amy-lee-evanescence-q-a|archive-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> ''The Bitter Truth'' is a "beast of many moods" endowed with "stellar" musicianship and vocals, Garry Bushell reviewed in ''Daily Express''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1415267/evanescence-new-album-the-bitter-truth|title=Evanescence's The Bitter Truth is blessed with stellar musicianship|work=Daily Express|first=Garry|last=Bushell|date=March 26, 2021|accessdate=January 9, 2023}}</ref> Danielle Chelosky wrote in ''Spin'' that Lee's strength "is clearer than ever, and she's reclaiming even more this time", while the "reckoning and pain" of experiences permeates the album with "vivid imagery", vulnerability and empowerment alongside a "bigger and bolder" sound.<ref name="Spin">{{cite web|last=Chelosky|first=Danielle |title=Evanescence Are Stronger and Louder Than Ever |url=https://www.spin.com/2021/03/evanescence-the-bitter-truth-album-review/|work=Spin|access-date=July 8, 2022 |date=March 24, 2021}}</ref>

''Kerrang!''{{'}}s Nick Ruskell said ''The Bitter Truth'' offers "comfort, catharsis and a new perspective", with Lee's contemplations looking outward as much as inward in forward-thinking notion alongside an "ever-expanding musical palette, still rooted in the vaguely gothy metal of old, but now with the heaviness taken further and punctuated with electronics and keyboards".<ref name="Kerrang">{{cite web |last=Ruskell|first=Nick|title=Album review: Evanescence – The Bitter Truth |url=https://www.kerrang.com/album-review-evanescence-the-bitter-truth|work=Kerrang!|access-date=March 26, 2021|date=March 25, 2021}}</ref> Thomas Green of ''The Arts Desk'' considered the album "a sturdy testament to lead singer and band-boss Amy Lee's continuing surety of vision".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/theartsdesk-vinyl-64-chet-baker-lava-la-rue-bob-mould-krust-yardbirds-fratellis-and-more|title=Theartsdesk on Vinyl 64: Chet Baker, Lava La Rue, Bob Mould, Krust, The Yardbirds, The Fratellis and more|work=The Arts Desk|first=Thomas H|last=Green|date=May 17, 2021|access-date=January 9, 2023}}</ref> Reviewing for ''Consequence'', Claire Colette viewed the record as a "triumphant" return, "reminiscent of the band's older material but also entirely fresh", with the band's passion and energy "evident throughout" and Lee's "immense talent as a vocalist and songwriter consistently shining through".<ref name="cos">{{cite web|last=Colette|first=Claire |title=Evanescence Boldly Confront The Bitter Truth: Review|url=https://consequence.net/2021/03/evanescence-the-bitter-truth-album-review/|work=Consequence|access-date=March 25, 2021|date=March 29, 2021}}</ref> The album was deemed "emotionally charged" by Scott Mervis of ''Pittsburgh Post-Gazette'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2021/12/09/Evanescence-Halestorm-tour-Petersen-Events-Center/stories/202112030103|title=Q&A: Amy Lee and Lzzy Hale pour passion into Evanescence/Halestorm tour|date=December 9, 2021|first=Scott|last=Mervis|access-date=January 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210000530/https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2021/12/09/Evanescence-Halestorm-tour-Petersen-Events-Center/stories/202112030103|archive-date=December 10, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> and "dynamic" by ''Chicago Sun-Times'' writer Selena Fragassi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/12/8/22820407/evanescence-amy-lee-bitter-truth-aragon-wkqx-concert|title=Evanescence hopes new album can help heal during a time of heartbreak|date=December 8, 2021|first=Selena|last=Fragassi|work=Chicago Sun-Times|accessdate=January 9, 2021}}</ref> Neil Z. Yeung of AllMusic called it "one of the band's most engaging works, balancing sonic power with Lee's inimitable vocals and songwriting", and carrying listeners "on a journey both familiar and fresh ... pushing Evanescence into the future with a graceful maturity and worldly perspective."<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |last=Yeung|first=Neil Z.|title=Evanescence - The Bitter Truth|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-bitter-truth-mw0003459334|work=AllMusic|access-date=March 26, 2021|date=March 26, 2021}}</ref> ''Revolver'' called ''The Bitter Truth'' a "triumphant statement of perseverance, with Lee seizing her role as alt-metal elder stateswoman for some of the hardest hitting songs of her career."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/20-best-albums-2021-so-far#evanescence-bitter-truth|title=20 Best Albums of 2021 So Far|work=Revolver|date=June 14, 2021|access-date=January 9, 2023}}</ref>

===Accolades=== {{Dynamic list}}  {| class="wikitable sortable" !Publication !Accolade !Rank !class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- | AllMusic | Favorite Metal Albums 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |— | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/year-in-review/2021/favorite-metal|title=Year In Review 2021 - Favorite Metal|website=AllMusic|access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Audio Ink Radio'' | Best 50 Rock And Metal Songs of 2021 ("Better Without You") | style="text-align: center;" |— | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://audioinkradio.com/2021/12/best-rock-and-metal-songs-2021/|title=Best Rock and Metal Songs 2021|website=Audio Ink Radio|date=December 15, 2021|access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Carretera y Manta'' | Top 15 Best Albums of the Year | style="text-align: center;" |8 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url= https://carreteraymanta.publico.es/los-15-mejores-discos-del-2021/|title=Top 15 Best Albums of the Year|website=Carretera y manta|date=December 26, 2021|access-date=January 16, 2022|language=es}}</ref> |- | ''Confraria Floydstock'' | The 25 Best Albums of 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |— | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.confrariafloydstock.com/2021/12/os-melhores-albuns-de-2021-segundo.html?m=1|title=The 25 Best Albums of 2021|website=Confraria Floydstock|date=December 30, 2021|access-date=January 18, 2022|language=pt}}</ref> |- | ''Consequence'' | Top Metal & Hard Rock Albums | style="text-align: center;" |26 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2021/12/top-metal-hard-rock-albums-2021/|title=Top 30 Metal and Hard Rock Albums of 2021|website=Consequence|date=December 15, 2021|access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Global Metal Apocalypse'' | Global Metal Apocalypse (GMA) Awards 2021 - The Results | style="text-align: center;" |5 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://globalmetalapocalypse.weebly.com/metal-news/global-metal-apocalypse-gma-awards-2021-the-results?|title=Global Metal Apocalypse (GMA) Awards 2021 - The Results|website=Global Metal Apocalypse|date=January 8, 2022|access-date=January 9, 2022}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |''Goldmine'' | Fabulous Albums of 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |6 | rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.goldminemag.com/.amp/columns/fabulous-albums-and-songs-of-2021|title=Fabulous Albums and Songs of 2021|website=Goldmine|date=December 27, 2021|access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref> |- | Fabulous Songs of 2021 ("Use My Voice") | style="text-align: center;" |3 |- | rowspan="2" |''Kerrang!'' | The 50 Best Albums of 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |49 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-50-best-albums-of-2021|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2021|website=Kerrang!|date=December 10, 2021|access-date=January 3, 2022}}</ref> |- | Reader's Poll Results - Song Of The Year ("Better Without You") | style="text-align: center;" |4 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-2021-readers-poll-results-what-music-has-ruled-your-year|title=The 2021 Reader's Poll Results|website=Kerrang!|date=December 21, 2021|access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Knac.com'' | Halo's Top Ten Releases for 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |2 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=40244|title=Knac.com Staff Top Ten Releases For 2021 |website=Knack.com|last=Petro|first=Larry|date=December 31, 2021|access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Lost Between the Pages'' | Favorite Albums of 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |— | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lostbetweenpages.com/2021/12/26/favorite-albums-of-2021/|title=Favorite Albuns of 2021|website=Lost Between the Pages|date=December 26, 2021|access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |''Loudwire'' | The 45 Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |25 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/best-rock-metal-albums-2021/|title=The 45 Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2021|website=Loudwire|date=December 10, 2021|access-date=December 10, 2021}}</ref> |- | The 35 Best Rock Songs Of 2021 ("Better Without You") | style="text-align: center;" |9 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/best-rock-songs-of-2021/|title=The 35 Best Rock Songs Of 2021|website=Loudwire|date=December 8, 2021|access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Metal Hammer'' | Top 10 Alternative Metal Albums of 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |3 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/top-10-alt-metal-albums-of-2021|title=Top 10 alt-metal albums of 2021|website=Metal Hammer|date=December 17, 2021|access-date=January 26, 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Notizie Musica'' | Top 10 Albums of 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |8 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://notiziemusica.it/migliori-album-2021/news/|title=Il 2021 in dieci album: ecco i dischi più importanti dell'anno|website=Notizie Musica|date=December 31, 2021|access-date=January 16, 2022|language=it}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |''Quarter Rock Press'' | The 50 Best Albums of the Year 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |8 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://quarterrockpress.com/index.php/news/item/23378-topqrp-mejores-discos-2021|title=TopQRP 2021 Mejores Discos|website=Quarter Rock Press|date=December 31, 2021|access-date=January 26, 2022|language=es}}</ref> |- | The 50 Best Songs of the Year 2021 ("Better Without You") | style="text-align: center;" |11 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://quarterrockpress.com/index.php/news/item/23377-topqrp-mejores-canciones-2021|title=TopQRP Mejores Canciones 2021|website=Quarter Rock Press|date=November 4, 2021|access-date=January 26, 2022|language=es}}</ref> |- | ''Revolver'' | Fan Poll: 10 Best Albums of 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |3 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/fan-poll-10-best-albums-2021|title=Fan Poll: 10 Best Albums of 2021|website=Revolver|date=December 1, 2021|access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Riff'' | 108 Best Albums of 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |41 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://riffmagazine.com/year-in-review/albums-2021-part-6-evanescence/|title=The 108 Best Albums of 2021|website=Riff|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=January 3, 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Roadie Crew'' | Best Of 2021 (Fan Poll) | style="text-align: center;" |8 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://roadiecrew.com/melhores-de-2021-segundo-os-leitores-da-roadie-crew-resultado-final-2-2/|title=MELHORES DE 2021 segundo os leitores da ROADIE CREW|website=Roadie Crew|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=February 7, 2022|language=pt|archive-date=February 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207130357/https://roadiecrew.com/melhores-de-2021-segundo-os-leitores-da-roadie-crew-resultado-final-2-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- | ''Rock Sound'' | Albums of the Year 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |— | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rocksound.tv/features/read/the-rock-sound-albums-of-the-year-2021|title=Albums of the Year 2021|website=Rock Sound|date=December 17, 2021|access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref> |- | ''Wikimetal'' | Top 50 Best Rock & Metal Albums of 2021 | style="text-align: center;" |4 | style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.wikimetal.com.br/50-melhores-albuns-de-rock-e-heavy-metal-de-2021/|title= Top 50 Best Rock & Metal Albums of 2021|publisher=Wikimetal|date=December 22, 2021|access-date=January 16, 2022|language=pt}}</ref> |}

==Track listing==

{{Track listing | all_writing = Evanescence, except where noted | headline = ''The Bitter Truth'' track listing | title1 = Artifact/The Turn | writer1 = {{hlist|Amy Lee|Scott Kirkland}} | length1 = 2:26 | title2 = Broken Pieces Shine | writer2 = | length2 = 3:50 | title3 = The Game Is Over | writer3 = | length3 = 4:22 | title4 = Yeah Right | writer4 = {{hlist|Evanescence|Will B. Hunt}} | length4 = 3:29 | title5 = Feeding the Dark | writer5 = {{hlist|Evanescence|B. Hunt}} | length5 = 4:14 | title6 = Wasted on You | writer6 = | length6 = 4:24 | title7 = Better Without You | writer7 = {{hlist|Evanescence|Nick Raskulinecz}} | length7 = 4:05 | title8 = Use My Voice | writer8 = {{hlist|Evanescence|Deena Jakoub}} | length8 = 4:01 | title9 = Take Cover | writer9 = {{hlist|Evanescence|B. Hunt}} | length9 = 3:14 | title10 = Far from Heaven | writer10 = Lee | length10 = 4:57 | title11 = Part of Me | writer11 = | length11 = 3:59 | title12 = Blind Belief | writer12 = | length12 = 4:13 | total_length = 47:19 }}

{{Track listing | headline = Target exclusive and Japanese edition bonus tracks<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.target.com/p/evanescence-the-bitter-truth-target-exclusive-cd/-/A-82018108|title=Evanescence – The Bitter Truth (Target Exclusive, CD)|publisher=Target|access-date=February 3, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Japan"/> | title13 = Cruel Summer | writer13 = {{hlist|Sara Dallin|Siobhan Fahey|Keren Woodward|Steven Jolley|Tony Swain}} | note13 = Bananarama cover; Live from Home | length13 = 3:23 | title14 = The Chain | writer14 = {{hlist|Mick Fleetwood|John McVie|Christine McVie|Lindsey Buckingham|Stephanie Nicks}} | note14 = Fleetwood Mac cover; from ''Gears 5'' | length14 = 4:12 | total_length = 54:55 }}

{{Track listing | headline = Japanese deluxe edition bonus DVD<ref name="Japan2"/><ref name="Japan3"/> | title1 = The Making of The Bitter Truth | length1 = 13:13 | title2 = The Making of Use My Voice | length2 = 2:45 | total_length = 15:58 }}

{{Track listing | headline = Limited box set disc 2 ''Live Studio Session''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/-/en/dp/B08P8HYP62|title=Evanescence - The Bitter Truth (CD + Cassette Box Set, Limited Edition) - Amazon.com Music|website=Amazon|access-date=March 29, 2021}}</ref> | title1 = Wasted on You | note1 = Live studio session | writer1 = Evanescence | length1 = 4:24 | title2 = The Game Is Over | note2 = Live studio session | writer2 = Evanescence | length2 = 4:23 | title3 = The Only One | note3 = Live studio session | writer3 = {{hlist|Lee|Terry Balsamo}} | length3 = 4:32 | title4 = Sick | note4 = Live studio session | writer4 = {{hlist|Evanescence|B. Hunt}} | length4 = 3:30 | title5 = Going Under | note5 = Live studio session | writer5 = {{hlist|Ben Moody|Lee|David Hodges}} | length5 = 3:39 | title6 = Use My Voice | note6 = Live studio session | writer6 = {{hlist|Evanescence|Jakoub}} | length6 = 4:01 | title7 = Bring Me to Life | note7 = Live studio session | writer7 = {{hlist|Moody|Lee|Hodges}} | length7 = 3:30 | title8 = Lost in Paradise | note8 = Live studio session | writer8 = Lee | length8 = 5:05 | title9 = Glory Box | note9 = Portishead cover; Live studio session | writer9 = {{hlist|Portishead|Isaac Hayes}} | length9 = 3:56 | title10 = Across the Universe | note10 = The Beatles cover | writer10 = {{hlist|John Lennon|Paul McCartney}} | length10 = 3:42 | total_length = 40:42 }}

{{Track listing | headline = Limited box set cassette ''The Bitter Truth Evolution'' | title1 = Wolves | title2 = GIO | title3 = UMV | title4 = Will Can't Catch | title5 = Without a Sound | title6 = Take Cover | title7 = WOY Bells | title8 = Writing | title9 = Smurfs on Fire | title10 = Blind Belief | title11 = Music Box | title12 = Red Stickers | title13 = Avocado Cream | title14 = Yeah Right | title15 = Back to the Future | title16 = BPS #7.1 | title17 = On My Own | title18 = Teleportation | title19 = Farther | title20 = The Game Is Over | note20 = Instrumental | total_length = 48:47 | title21 = Yeah Right | note21 = Instrumental | title22 = Use My Voice | note22 = Instrumental | title23 = Better Without You | note23 = Instrumental | title24 = Wasted on You | note24 = Instrumental | title25 = Far from Heaven | note25 = Instrumental | title26 = Blind Belief | note26 = Instrumental }}

==Personnel== Credits adapted from the liner notes of ''The Bitter Truth''.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=The Bitter Truth|type=liner notes|others=Evanescence|publisher=BMG |year=2021}}</ref>

{{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''Evanescence''' * Amy Lee – lead vocals, piano, keyboards, additional programming * Troy McLawhorn – guitar * Jen Majura – guitar, backing vocals * Tim McCord – bass * Will Hunt – drums

'''Additional musicians''' * David Campbell – string arrangements * Alan Umstead – strings contractor, concertmaster * Nashville Music Scoring – orchestra * Lzzy Hale – backing vocals (track 8) * Taylor Momsen – backing vocals (track 8) * Deena Jakoub – backing vocals (track 8) * Lindsey Stirling – backing vocals (track 8) * Sharon den Adel – backing vocals (track 8) * Lori Lee – backing vocals (track 8) * Carrie Lee – backing vocals (track 8) * Amy McLawhorn – backing vocals (track 8)

{{col-2}} '''Additional personnel''' * Nick Raskulinecz – production, mixing, recording * Nathan Yarborough – engineering * Logan Greeson – assistant engineering * Nick Spezia – strings engineering * Ted Jensen – mastering * Tiago Nuñez – programming (tracks 2–11) * Will B. Hunt – additional programming * Chris Vrenna – additional programming (track 10) * Scott Kirkland – programming production (track 1) * Josh Hartzler – cover photo<ref>{{Cite interview|title=【ICRT Reaching Out】Amy Lee - Evanescence Interview|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMzE7zAVURA|subject=Amy Lee|interviewer=DJ Joey|date=May 22, 2020|accessdate=May 22, 2020|publisher=ICRT|via=YouTube}}</ref> * P.R. Brown – album design, photography * Nick Fancher – photography {{col-end}}

==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}

===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Weekly chart performance for ''The Bitter Truth'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2021) ! scope="col"| Peak position |- {{album chart|Australia|3|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 13, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Austria|5|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 7, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Flanders|4|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 2, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Wallonia|10|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 2, 2021}} |- {{album chart|BillboardCanada|14|artist=Evanescence|rowheader=true|access-date=April 6, 2021}} |- ! scope="row"| Croatian Albums (HDU)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.top-lista.hr/www/lista-prodaje-strano-15-tjedan-2021/|title=Lista prodaje 15. tjedan 2021. (05.04.2021. - 11.04.2021.)|date=April 19, 2021|publisher=Top of the Shops|language=hr|access-date=April 19, 2021}}</ref> | 28 |- {{album chart|Czech|43|year=2021|week=13|rowheader=true|access-date=April 6, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Netherlands|15|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 2, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Finland|18|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 4, 2021}} |- {{album chart|France|34|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 7, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Germany|2|id=422679|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 1, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Hungary|38|year=2021|week=13|rowheader=true|access-date=April 9, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Italy|20|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 13, 2021}} |- ! scope="row"| Japan Hot Albums (''Billboard Japan'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2021&month=04&day=05|title=Billboard Japan Hot Albums: 2021/04/05|work=Billboard Japan|language=ja|access-date=March 31, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401124315/http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot_albums&year=2021&month=04&day=05|archive-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref> | 38 |- {{album chart|Oricon|40|date=2021-04-05|rowheader=true|access-date=March 31, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Poland|15|id=1355|rowheader=true|access-date=April 8, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Portugal|2|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 13, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Scotland|3|date=20210402|rowheader=true|access-date=April 2, 2021}} |- ! scope="row"| Slovak Albums (ČNS IFPI)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hitparada.ifpicr.cz|title=Slovak Albums – Top 100|publisher=ČNS IFPI|access-date=April 19, 2021}} '''Note''': On the chart page, select ''SK - ALBUMS - TOP 100'' and ''202115'' on the field besides the word "Zobrazit", and then click over the word to retrieve the correct chart data.</ref> | 96 |- {{album chart|Spain|16|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 10, 2021}} |- ! scope="row"| Swedish Hard Rock Albums (Sverigetopplistan)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/93?dspy=2021&dspp=13|title=Veckolista Hårdrock, vecka 13|language=sv|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|access-date=April 19, 2021}}</ref> | 6 |- {{album chart|Switzerland|1|artist=Evanescence|album=The Bitter Truth|rowheader=true|access-date=April 4, 2021}} |- {{album chart|UK2|4|date=20210402|rowheader=true|access-date=April 2, 2021}} |- {{album chart|UKRock|1|date=20210402|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 2, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Billboard200|11|artist=Evanescence|rowheader=true|access-date=April 6, 2021}} |- {{album chart|BillboardAlternative|2|artist=Evanescence|rowheader=true|access-date=April 6, 2021}} |- {{album chart|BillboardHardRock|1|artist=Evanescence|rowheader=true|access-date=April 6, 2021}} |- {{album chart|BillboardIndependent|4|artist=Evanescence|rowheader=true|access-date=April 6, 2021}} |- {{album chart|BillboardRock|2|artist=Evanescence|rowheader=true|access-date=April 6, 2021}} |- {{album chart|BillboardTastemaker|1|artist=Evanescence|rowheader=true|access-date=April 6, 2021}} |} {{col-2}}

===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Year-end chart performance for ''The Bitter Truth'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2021) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-2021|title=Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts 2021|publisher=GfK Entertainment charts|language=de|access-date=January 9, 2022}}</ref> | 97 |- ! scope="row"| US Top Current Album Sales (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/current-albums/|title=Year-End Charts: Top Album Sales (2021)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 25, 2024}}</ref> | 80 |- ! scope="row"| US Top Alternative Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/top-alternative-albums|title=Year-End Charts: Top Alternative Albums (2021)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 30, 2021}}</ref> | 46 |- ! scope="row"| US Top Rock Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/top-rock-albums/|title=Year-End Charts: Top Rock Albums (2021)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 14, 2021}}</ref> | 93 |} {{col-end}}

==Release history== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+Release dates and formats for ''The Bitter Truth'' ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Edition(s) ! scope="col"| Label ! scope="col"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row"| Japan | rowspan="2"| March 24, 2021 | CD | Japanese | rowspan="2"| {{hlist|Virgin|Universal Japan}} | style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Japan">{{cite web|url=https://www.universal-music.co.jp/evanescence/products/uicn-1101/|title=The Bitter Truth [通常盤] [SHM-CD]|publisher=Universal Music Japan|access-date=February 3, 2021}}</ref> |- |{{hlist|CD|DVD}} | Deluxe | style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Japan2">{{cite web|url= https://www.universal-music.co.jp/evanescence/products/uicn-9038/ |title=The Bitter Truth [初回限定盤デラックス・エディション][SHM-CD]|language=Japanese |publisher=Universal Music Japan |accessdate=February 7, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Japan3">{{cite web|title= The Bitter Truth [SHM-CD+DVD] [Deluxe Edition (Limited Edition)] [Japan Bonus Track]|website=CDJapan|url=https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/UICN-9038|access-date=February 7, 2021}}</ref> |}

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bitter Truth, The}} Category:2021 albums Category:Evanescence albums Category:Albums produced by Nick Raskulinecz Category:Albums impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic Category:Albums postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic Category:Gothic metal albums by American artists