Dark Waters

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Though, there is something that I do feel like we need to mention before diving into this review. The band has has been creating music that captivates and inspires fans for over two decades. While the band has undergone changes in its lineup over the years, the departure of lead vocalist Charlotte Wessels was a significant moment for listeners. Dark Waters” is Delain’s 7 th studio album, and “Hideaway Paradise” introduces us to the new era, allowing us our first listen to the clean, sweet vocals of Diana Leah and when combined with the musicianship and song writing on display. For a symphonic metal band, it might come as a surprise to announce that the follow-up, ‘The Quest And The Curse’ doesn’t quite live up to its predecessor. It is a more ‘standard’ orchestral-style symphonic metal song, complete with gruff vocals to counterpoint Leah’s soothing tones. And yet, as bombastic as it is, it doesn’t quite deliver, and that’s because the melodies don’t resonate quite as powerfully. Every performance is faultless, and many will love it. I, bizarrely, prefer the opener.

And that’s not all from the DELAIN camp! The band have announced a headlining European and UK tour for April and May next year. Westerholt comments on "Beneath": " 'Beneath' is a perfect ambassador of the album and DELAIN as a whole because it encapsulates almost all of the recognizable DELAIN elements you will find on the album." First impressions are very positive. It’s the album’s second song, “The Quest and the Curse” before we hear the growls of bassist Ludovico Cioffi combining with Diana’s cleans and both songs highlight extremely well written melodic, Symphonic Metal. Obviously, we have continuity provided by original member Martijn Westerholt looking after song writing, orchestrations and keyboards resulting in Delain heading exactly where the main man wants it to go without veering off course since the crew change. A refreshed and re-energised Delain but one that stays true to the sound that has made them such a beloved symphonic metal band. It’s a scary time for listeners though, as with any major line-up change to a favourite band. Even more so when one major aspect is the change of vocalist. Charlotte Wessels has left some big shoes to fill having sung for Delain for around 16 years. Offiziellecharts.de – Delain – Dark Waters" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 17 February 2023.

Titled Dark Waters, the upcoming album from the Dutch symphonic metal band is the follow-up to 2020’s Apocalypse & Chill, and is scheduled to be released in February next year, via Napalm Records. Delain’s highly anticipated album, “Dark Waters,” out February 10, 2023 via Napalm Records, marks a significant turning point in the band’s history. With a new lineup, including vocalist Diana Leah and bassist Ludovico Cioffi, and the return of original guitarist Ronald Landa and drummer Sander Zoer, the album showcases the band’s continued evolution and refinement of their sound. Delain’s signature orchestral arrangements and modern shadings set new standards in the genre and solidify the band’s place at the forefront of the scene. Delain - 'Queen Of Shadow' Single And Video Premieres". Metal Storm. 9 February 2023 . Retrieved 9 February 2023. If I had any other criticisms to level at this album, other than the handful of songs that don’t hit as hard as they could, it’d be that I would like a little more variety in terms of the pacing and tempo of the music. As I listen, I can’t help but think that the whole thing would benefit from greater dynamics and changes of pace all round. Mid-tempo is all very well, but sometimes, the listener needs to be offered something to jolt them from their comfort zone. And it happens a little too rarely on ‘Dark Waters’ for my tastes. Paolo Ribaldini of Seraphiel and Skiltron then makes his first of several guest appearances on the album, adding his vocal talents to Beneath. An energetic blast of starry and haunting melody, smooth vocal harmonisation, and punchy metal groove. Followed then by the symphonic drama of Mirror of Night, the war-like instrumental rhythm of Tainted Hearts, and the epic delivery of The Cold. A trio of exciting and memorable Delain offerings.

Happily, it doesn’t change the formula up and simply sees Delain continue to push epic symphonic detail, rhythmic metal heaviness, and a killer chorus to the forefront. A solid closer to an album that will certainly see long-term Delain fans breathe a sigh of relief. The future is certainly looking bright for this band. A special mention must go to all musicians, the line-up rounded out by original members Sander Zoer on drums and Ronald Landa on guitars for stellar performances throughout. Rejoining the fold and bolstering DELAIN’s continuity are original guitarist Ronald Landa and original drummer Sander Zoer, while new members - terrific vocalist Diana Leah and bassist Ludovico Cioffi - continue to evolve their sound. Dark Waters follows the chart-breaking Apocalypse & Chill (2020), integrating the most refined sounds in the genre. DELAIN's sixth full-length album, the Westerholt-produced "Apocalypse & Chill", was released in February 2020 via Napalm Records. In truth, "Dark Waters" is a considerable departure from the streamlined and faux-futuristic vibe of "Apocalypse & Chill". While always armed with huge hooks, DELAIN's seventh album spirals around a vast, billowing barrage of gothic guitars, with strong echoes of the post-punk '80s and an almost equal debt to the spectral sonic mists of funeral doom. When applied to Westerholt's now elegant and refined songwriting, which continually veers between AOR/pop-metal sparkliness and flamboyant, fantasy world finesse, the result is a strange mixture of the box-fresh and the tried and tested. As a reinvention, it's convincing.

The Cold” is a personal favorite of mine. The song opens with an epic feel, building anticipation before making an immersing listening experience with its powerful and grand soundscape. The blend of orchestral elements and driving instrumentals are top notch and this song will be finding its way near the top of all my symphonic playlist. DELAIN’s renowned orchestral arrangements, highlighted by modern shadings, set new standards and manifest the five-piece on top of the scene. A sonic rollercoaster ride of catchy tunes with explosive elements - ranging from pop to film score-inspired to blistering metal - merge perfectly with Diana’s fantastic voice, showcasing her incredible talent and musical sophistication. Leivers, Dannii (8 February 2023). "Delain's grandiose new album Dark Waters is the sound of a band utterly reborn". Louder Sound . Retrieved 9 February 2023.

DELAIN has started a thrilling new chapter and is ready to storm the globe again. After experiencing a lineup change in 2021, Martijn Westerholt (founder/main songwriter/keys) was rejoined by long-time members Ronald Landa (guitars) and Sander Zoer (drums). In early 2022, DELAIN was further strengthened by the addition of Diana Leah (vocals) and Ludovico Cioffi (bass) completing their dynamic lineup in time to record the band’s highly anticipated seventh studio album DARK WATERS which was released via Napalm Records on February 10, 2023. It marks a new chapter in the band’s history and presents the brainchild of keyboardist, founder, and main songwriter Martijn Westerholt with a new lineup. Rejoining the fold and bolstering Delain’s continuity are original guitarist Ronald Landa and original drummer Sander Zoer, while new members – vocalist Diana Leah and bassist Ludovico Cioffi – continue to evolve their sound. DELAIN's MARTIJN WESTERHOLT Announces End Of Band's Most Recent Lineup: 'The Others Have Chosen To Pursue Different Paths' ". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 15 February 2021 . Retrieved 14 December 2022.DELAIN – video-interview with Martijn Westerholt" (in Dutch). 10 September 2021 . Retrieved 14 December 2022. The limited box edition features a third disc, containing orchestral versions of "Tainted Hearts", "The Cold", "Invictus" and "Underland". Queen of Shadow” has some pretty powerful riffs and a bombastic feel, making it a fitting choice as the final single before the release of the album. It’s a real treat for fans eagerly anticipating the album drop. The chorus is sure to be a standout moment, with its catchy and memorable melody. “Queen of Shadow” is yet another strong offering from the album and is sure to be well received by fans just before the album goes live this Friday. The digisleeve and limited box editions feature a second disc, containing the instrumental versions of the first disc.

Dark Waters follows the chart-breaking Apocalypse & Chill (2020), integrating the most refined sounds in the genre. DELAIN’s renowned orchestral arrangements, highlighted by modern shadings, set new standards and manifest the five-piece on top of the scene. A sonic rollercoaster ride of catchy tunes with explosive elements - ranging from pop to film score-inspired to blistering metal - merge perfectly with Diana’s fantastic voice, showcasing her incredible talent and musical sophistication. The new DELAIN lineup made its official live debut on August 27 at the Riverside festival in Aarburg, Switzerland. Queen of Shadow”merges the orchestral and synth-focused soundscapes DELAIN is known for as it weaves melodic heavy guitars that intertwine with orchestral lines and vocal melodies. The vocal department holds new adventures with guest singer Paolo Ribaldini, who also highlights the hauntingly beautiful “Beneath” as the ultimate hymn. Hovering close to the original DELAIN sound, it combines synth themes and metal riffs to create an incredible fusion between pop and heavy soundscapes, topped off with a brain-spinning guitar solo. In February 2021, Westerholt announced the dissolution of DELAIN's previous lineup. At the time, he explained: "For the last year or so, the collaboration within the band ceased to work as well as it once had. Some of us were no longer happy with the current roles in the band. We all tried very hard to find a solution for over a year, but sadly we were unable to find one. As a result, we will all be going our own ways and pursuing our own endeavors.I am very sad our cooperation has come to end, but at the same time I am very grateful for all the years we were able to work together. Together we toured the world, shared highs and lows, and met with many successes as well as times that pushed us to learn and grow. We all enjoyed meeting our fans and making new friends all over the globe." Songs like the soaring previously released standalone single, “The Quest and the Curse”, as well as “The Cold” (the latter featuring a real, epic choir), lure with a bombastic sound that skillfully combines orchestral melodies, epic heavy riffs and marvelous vocal performances. day ago Dan Patlansky Announces New Album ‘Movin’ On’, New Single ‘Who I Am’ And April 2024 UK Headline Tour Dutch symphonic metal pioneers DELAIN break into new realms with their eagerly awaited, brand new full-length, Dark Waters, out February 10, 2023 via Napalm Records. Delain Announces 'Dark Waters' Album, Shares 'Beneath' Single". Blabbermouth.net. 29 November 2022 . Retrieved 12 December 2022.