Evanescence hired Majura without audition

Evanescence guitarist Jen Majura says she didn’t have to audition for her place in the band.

She took over from Terry Balsamo last month for the band’s upcoming live shows, with vocalist Amy Lee calling her the group’s “missing piece.”

And Majura reports that when she was invited to talk to Lee about the position, she was told to leave her guitar at home.

She tells EMP Rock Invasion: “I said, ‘Would you like me to audition?’ She said, ‘No, I know you can play – I’ve seen plenty of videos of you, so just come over and talk.’”

Majura says she was recommended by Testament axeman Alex Skolnick and composer Dave Eggar – who worked with Lee on soundtrack for movie War Story.

And although she’s now part of Evanescence, Majura reports she’d still like to continue working with her old bands Knorkator and Equilibrium.

She continues: “For Knorkator, I’m not a steady member but I’d like to continue because I consider myself good friends with the guys.

“And Equilibrium, definitely. As long as nobody wants to see me out of the band, I see no point leaving.”

Evanescence have four dates planned, including an appearance at Ozzfest Japan on November 21.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent more than 30 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, scouts out the best deals for music fans and reviews headphones, speakers, books and more. He's written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog and has previous written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.