following tour, the sextet was also referred to as "a band that defy stereotypes". Members Current members Sharon den Adel – lead vocals (1996–present) Robert Westerholt – rhythm guitar, unclean vocals (1996–present, studio only since 2011) Jeroen van Veen – bass (1996–present) Martijn Spierenburg – keyboards (2001–present) Ruud Jolie – lead guitar (2001–present) Mike Coolen – drums (2011–present) Stefan Helleblad – rhythm guitar (2011–present) Former members Michiel Papenhove – lead guitar (1996–2001) Martijn Westerholt – keyboards (1996–2001) Dennis Leeflang – drums (1996) Richard Willemse – drums (1996) Ivar de Graaf – drums (1996–1998, 1999–2001, live bass 2022) Marius van Pyreen – drums (1998) Ciro Palma – drums (1998–1999) Jelle Bakker – lead guitar (2001) Stephen van Haestregt – drums (2002–2010) Former session musician Nicka Hellenberg – drums (2010) Timeline Discography Studio albums Enter (1997) Mother Earth (2000) The Silent Force (2004) The Heart of Everything (2007) The Unforgiving (2011) Hydra (2014) Resist (2019) Tours Headlining concerts Mother Earth Tour (2000–2003) The Silent Force Tour (2004–2006) The Heart of Everything World Tour (2007–2008) The Unforgiving Tour (2011–2013) Sanctuary (2012) Hydra World Tour (2014–2016) The Resist Tour (2018–2019) Co-headlining concerts Worlds Collide (with Evanescence) (2022) Supporting concerts Somewhere Back in Time World Tour (opening act for Iron Maiden) (2008) Legacy of the Beast World Tour (opening act for Iron Maiden) (2022) Awards and nominations References External links Dutch symphonic metal musical groups Dutch gothic metal musical groups Musical groups established in 1996 World Music Awards winners 1996 establishments in the Netherlands MTV Europe Music Award winners GUN Records artists Female-fronted musical groups