Having recently announced their new label home with U.K.-based Dramatico, Dutch symphonic rockers Within Temptation have signed a licensing deal with Nuclear Blast Entertainment for the North American territory.

"There are very few bands out there today who continually deliver on such a high and consistent level as Within Temptation," states Nuclear Blast Entertainment president Monte Conner. "That is why they have such an incredibly loyal worldwide fan base. I am thrilled they chose Nuclear Blast Entertainment as their U.S. partner. Their fans are in for a real treat come later this year!"

Equally excited are Within Temptation's vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt, who comment: "We were looking for a partnership with a passionate and artist-minded company. Monte Conner, Markus Staiger [label owner], and the people at Nuclear Blast exactly fit this profile."

Within Temptation members are currently working on the follow-up to 2011's "The Unforgiving", which debuted at No. 50 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, achieved the band's highest-ever chart position in the U.S. and U.K., and landed in the Top 5 on the European Billboard chart. "The Unforgiving" also debuted in the Top 10 in twelve different countries. The Dutch group has amassed four Netherlands Export Awards, more than 30 gold and platinum sales awards, two Mtv European Music Awards, two World Music Awards, and numerous international accolades.

A 20-second teaser for Within Temptation's forthcoming single and video can be seen below.

Westerholt in 2011 announced that he would step down from touring duties in order to focus on taking care of the three children he has with Sharon den Adel. His replacement on stage is Stefan Helleblad, who had been working with the group behind the scenes for a few years.



Photo credit: Arjan Kremer