In 2022, metal greats DELAIN broke new ground by announcing their new lineup and eagerly-yearned-for new studio album, entitled Dark Waters, to be released February 10 via Napalm Records. With this astonishing piece of art, the chart-breaking outfit sets the stage for the next era, while still sticking to their very unique sound that fans and critics alike love – catchy, bombastic tunes full of contrasts and the highest standard of orchestral arrangements.
Unveiled on this very day, the emotionally driven single “Moth to a Flame” showcases DELAIN’s versatility by presenting a pop-induced hymn, and impressively showcases that the international unit centered around mastermind Martijn Westerholt holds its spot on top of the scene without any doubts!
Fuelled by massive support and enthusiasm all around the globe for their first standalone single “The Quest and The Curse”, and recently released “Beneath” (with more than 1M video views in total so far), the official video for “Moth to a Flame” draws their listeners even deeper into a universe composed of catchy tunes with explosive elements – ranging from pop, to film score-inspired, to blistering room shaking metal.
Keyboardist, founder and main songwriter Martijn Westerholt on “Moth to a Flame”:
“I’m extremely proud of this song. It’s one of the most upbeat songs on the album while also having the heaviest guitar riff, and Diana’s vocals are outstanding! It’s a killer combination that I think fans will love.”
Along with Martijn Westerholt, original guitarist Ronald Landa and original drummer Sander Zoer bolster DELAIN’S continuity, while new members – Diana Leah and bassist Ludovico Cioffi – continue to evolve their sound. Songs like the aforementioned standalone single, 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. DELAIN magnificently manages to never lose touch with their characteristic sound, making them a constant without ever standing still. Pop-induced opening track “Hideaway Paradise” shows exactly that by inducing a dream-like feeling flirting with melodic metal guitars, while the ballad-like dark track “Mirror of Night”, featuring Within Temptation guitarist Ruud Jolie, entices the listener with unfathomably catchy lines and melodies. “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. “Tainted Hearts” is centered around Westerholt’s keyboard arrangements, which skillfully showcase the creative roots of the mastermind. “Invictus” is nothing less than the Magnum Opus of the album – a rock opera in its own right with heavy riffing, choirs and vocal parts performed by Diana Leah, Paolo Ribaldini and Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish), ending in a bombastic climax where everything comes together.
Martijn Westerholt adds:
“This album captures all elements DELAIN is known for – our distinctive heavy guitar riffs, massive orchestral parts, both heavy metal and pop vocals, rock opera vibes along with 80s synth sounds. In short, this is definitely a recognizable DELAIN album that contains classic ‘DELAIN elements’ while also moving forward with fresh influences.”
Pre-Order your copy of Dark Waters NOW
DELAIN have been sharing their signature catchy melodic sound worldwide for over two decades now! Enchanting fans with their most famous hits like “We Are the Others” or “April Rain”, the rockers gained millions of Spotify streams and video views. With six albums already under their belt, DELAIN charted multiple times with well-known records like Apocalypse & Chill and Hunter’s Moon. The band traveled around the globe with acts like Sabaton, Nightwish and Within Temptation, topped by various shows at the biggest European festivals like Wacken, Graspop, Download and many more. Without any doubt, DELAIN have carved their name in the scene and are ready to start this exciting next voyage.
Dark Waters Tracklist:
- Hideaway Paradise
- The Quest and the Curse
- Beneath
- Mirror of Night
- Tainted Hearts
- The Cold
- Moth to a Flame
- Queen of Shadow
- Invictus
- Underland
DELAIN Live 2023
14.04.23 NL – Tilburg / 013
15.04.23 NL – Haarlem / Patronaat
21.04.23 UK – Manchester / Academy 2
22.04.23 UK – London / O2 Islington Academy
24.04.23 LU – Luxembourg / Rockhal
24.04.23 FR – Paris / Le Trabendo
27.04.23 CH – Zurich / Komplex 457
28.04.23 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle
29.04.23 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann Club
30.04.23 DE – Berlin / Hole44
02.05.23 DE – Hamburg / Knust
03.05.23 DE – Essen / Turock
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 