Delain

Dark Waters

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Genre: Melodic Metal.
Released: 10/02/2023
Via Napalm Records

Album Review: Delain – Dark Waters

Delain has had quite an explosive few years with members leaving, rejoining, and inevitably no one really knowing what was to come of the band. The answer is having a new vocalist in the form of Diana Leah and a new bassist named Ludovico Cioffi. The question on most people’s minds is will the band be able to hit the ground running again after so much uncertainty. Here are my thoughts on their new album ‘Dark Waters’!

Opening the album is the heavenly sounds of ‘Hideaway Paradise’. Operatic vocals with harmonizing melodies delicately playing behind is something that Delain has always done well and with their new vocalist, this is no exception. ‘The Quest And The Curse’ are what follows and this brings out a heavier side of Delain which packs a bit of a punch. A beefy beat matched with killer gutturals gives off a real attitude that feels fresh to existing fans. On the other side of the spectrum lies ‘Beneath’, a more melodically driven track that shows off the band’s dynamic range beautifully. Still giving off a little bit of edge, this song is a great balance between soft and heavy.

Up next is ‘Mirror Of Night’ and just the opening alone was catchy as hell. Bringing out a bit of funk, this song will have even the most casual of listeners tapping away to its infectious beat. ‘Tainted Hearts’ gets a little more adventurous while ‘The Cold’ gives off ‘Final Boss Sequence’ energy. An epic sounding track that boosts the adrenaline levels to the roof! Vocal openings can be iconic at times and ‘Moth To A Flame’ may end up being a fan favourite due to how well the song transitions from delicate to aggressive!

‘Queen Of Shadow’ is another song that feels like it belongs in a video game – while you are adventuring in a vast new world. This song just flows seamlessly and is an absolute pleasure on the ear. Not as subtle but just as good, ‘Invictus’ brings out a sinister side to the band that is completely out of left field yet it works so well. It doesn’t come across as out of place and actually adds a lot of character to the record. Closing out the album is ‘Underland’ and boy did Delain leave one of the best songs till last. This song feels like the song to signify a new era of Delain!

Despite the dramatic few years Delain has had, they have been able to rebuild and pick up right where they left off. Vocaly, there really isn’t a drastic change however the band feel like they are entering a new element with this release. The past is the past and Delain is marching forward!