AMY LEE, POPPY & COURTNEY LAPLANTE 'END OF YOU' TRACK REVIEW

Arguably one of the most impactful collaborations of 2025, End of You delivers on every front. It's a hard-hittin' track that defines the sound of 2025. 

When the three most prominent voices in metal, such as Amy Lee (Evanescence), Poppy, and Courtney LaPlante (Spiritbox), come together, it's a powerful statement. "End of You" is enormous not only because of the talent involved, but also because it combines the three most prominent female artists in heavy music, truly showcasing what female artists are capable of when they unite. It challenges long-standing normalities, not by ignoring the masculine-dominated history, but by refusing to conform to it. The track demonstrates that women can convey intensity, drive the emotional weight, and own both heaviness and melody without compromise. 

Each artist brings a different side: with Amy's legacy and power, Poppy's experimental edge and theatrical flair, and Courtney LaPlante's visceral ferocity. When producer Jordan Fish ties them together, he executes his job flawlessly, letting each vocalist's talents shine through while ensuring the song remains a cohesive, thunderous movement. The collaboration underscores a growing momentum: female voices are not an exception in heavy music—they are diverse and central. 

Lyrically — "The end of you is the start of life for me" — is simple, bold, and empowering: discussing emotions that all women feel in themes of disillusionment, self-liberation, regret, and the acceptance of change, the idea of burning down illusions "crystalline castles turned to dust" feels metaphorical for outdated institutions or toxic ties. The recurring thought of "waking up," letting go of shame, and pulling the plug on a ream tied to someone else's expectations — all of this resonates deeply in a cultural moment where many are questioning what identity, authenticity, and authority mean. This track doesn't shy away from vulnerability. But it always returns to strength. The transitions from regret or pain to clarity are well-paced. The lyrics hold tension while also offering a cathartic release.  

Musically, "End of You" walks a tightrope between arena rock grandeur, modern metalcore aggression, and cinematic atmospherics. Amy Lee opens with haunting vocals, building emotional tension—Poppy steps in with her characteristic sharpness, giving contrast and texture. When Courtney LaPlante enters, especially during the breakdowns, the song erupts with raw, visceral power. The blend of clean singing, soaring choruses, and the occasional scream gives the track dynamism and breadth. 

Instrumentation is strong. It never feels overloaded; even in its heaviest moments, there's room to breathe. The production allows us to feel the shifts — the quiet before the storm, the escalation, the release — which makes the emotional payoff feel earned. 

The music video is cinematic and dramatic, matching the song's emotional architecture. The visuals mirror the song's flow, leading from isolation and tension into unity and confrontation. The moments where the three are seen together, side by side, are mighty. It's not just spectacle; there's symbolism in that unity. 

Lighting, costume, and framing — all contribute to a mood that's Gothic, theatrical, and slightly surreal — precisely the right aesthetic for this kind of track. The video doesn't distract, but enhances: it emphasises the lyrics and accentuates the emotional shifts. Every scene feels posed and meaningful. 

End of You is one of those rare songs that feels huge and intensely personal at the same time. It's a perfect collision of talent, vision, and emotion. As a collaboration, it amplifies each artist without diluting any; as a message, it stands for empowerment, change, and unity among women in the metal and rock communities. It shows how far the genre has come — and pushes it forward.