Within Temptation have had 17 official members since Sharon den Adel and Robert Westerholt founded the Dutch symphonic metal band in April 1996. The current line-up is den Adel, Westerholt (studio only), Jeroen van Veen, Ruud Jolie, Mike Coolen, Stefan Helleblad and Vikram Shankar.
The band’s early years saw a fast turnover of drummers. After the debut album Enter (1997), the line-up settled, and the single “Ice Queen” from Mother Earth reached No. 2 on the Dutch charts in 2001. By 2016 the band had sold more than 3.5 million albums worldwide.
Sharon den Adel – Lead Vocals (1996–present)
Sharon den Adel co-founded the band and has been its lead vocalist from the start.
Robert Westerholt – Rhythm Guitar and Unclean Vocals (1996–present)
Robert Westerholt is the other founder. He plays rhythm guitar and provides unclean vocals. Since 2011 he has worked with the band in the studio only and does not tour.
Jeroen van Veen – Bass (1996–present)
Jeroen van Veen has been the bassist since 1996, which makes him one of three members present from the first year.
Ruud Jolie – Lead Guitar (2001–present)
Ruud Jolie took over lead guitar in 2001. He followed Michiel Papenhove and Jelle Bakker, who each held the role before him.
Mike Coolen – Drums (2011–present)
Mike Coolen has been the drummer since 2011, succeeding Stephen van Haestregt.
Stefan Helleblad – Rhythm Guitar (2011–present)
Stefan Helleblad joined in 2011 on rhythm guitar and occasional backing vocals. He covers the live guitar parts that Westerholt stopped playing on stage.
Vikram Shankar – Keyboards (2025–present)
Vikram Shankar joined on keyboards in 2025, after Martijn Spierenburg’s long run ended in 2024.
Former Members
- Martijn Spierenburg: keyboards (2001–2024).
- Stephen van Haestregt: drums (2002–2010).
- Martijn Westerholt: keyboards (1996–2001; live in 2025).
- Michiel Papenhove: lead guitar (1996–2001).
- Ivar de Graaf: drums (1996–1998, 1999–2001); live bass in 2022.
- Jelle Bakker: lead guitar (2001).
- Dennis Leeflang: drums (1996).
- Richard Willemse: drums (1996).
- Marius van Pyreen: drums (1998).
- Ciro Palma: drums (1998–1999).
Nicka Hellenberg played drums as a session musician in 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who founded Within Temptation? Sharon den Adel and Robert Westerholt, in April 1996.
- Does Robert Westerholt still play live? No. He has been a studio-only member since 2011.
- How many drummers has Within Temptation had? Eight: Dennis Leeflang, Richard Willemse, Ivar de Graaf, Marius van Pyreen, Ciro Palma, Stephen van Haestregt, Mike Coolen and session drummer Nicka Hellenberg in 2010.
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