The Open Door is the second studio album by American rock band Evanescence, released on September 25, 2006 by Wind-up Records. Singer-keyboardist Amy Lee had full creative control of the record, incorporating new elements into their previous musical styles, including her classical influences, homemade sounds, industrial rock, symphonic metal, progressive rock, electronica and the use of choirs on several songs. Most of the songs were co-composed by Lee and guitarist Terry Balsamo, with production handled by Dave Fortman. The album was written in the course of 18 months, and the recording process was delayed as a result of Balsamo's stroke.