Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
When Delain mainman Martijn Westerholt declared in February 2021 that the band would now become a solo project, following the parting of the ways with the rest of the line-up many wondered how this would be achieved, the magic of the ensemble lost.
A pause for reflection was needed and the keyboardist knew the best way to keep the flame burning brightly was to bring a new chapter to their storied history, building a new line-up that included past members and some fresh blood. Back in the fold, guitarist Ronald Lander and drummer Sander Zoer instantly slotted into their former roles and with the addition of new bass player Ludovico Cioffi and vocalist Diana Leah, this re energised iteration of Delain were ready to take on the world.
Already having proven themselves as one of the most vital outfits in metal due to their incendiary roadwork, ‘Dark Waters’ was the first full length release of the combo, its critical acclaim confirming that all was well and most certainly moving in the right direction.
A year later and the band have launched ‘Dance with the Devil’ onto the world and whilst classed as an EP, its fifteen tracks add up to an album’s worth of thrills that only the Dutch metallers know how to bring.
Kicking off with the sledgehammer title track, there’s been another leap forward in the quintet’s development, new sounds mixing with key elements to shattering effect.
Few bands can pull off a brief dance pop intro and then go into the sort of pounding industrial riffing that Rammstein built their career on whilst brightening things up with some gorgeous symphonic swoops but that’s what we have here.
Leah’s vocals soar above it all, the juxtaposition of guttural male vocals adding to the dramatic soundscape and the irresistible hooks sink into flesh, never to be removed.
Following that, ‘The Reaping’ glories in its skittering rhythms and crushing fretwork before a magnificent ‘Sleepwalkers Dream’ gives way to a vital nine-song run of live tracks recorded on their most recent European tour.
Showing just how well the band have gelled, the set is an adrenaline soaked and joyous dip into some of their best material and from the arena filling magnificence of ‘The Cold’ through to the sweeping epic ‘Control the Storm’, this is a show of strength by a group at the height of their powers.
Previous line-ups may have been headline grabbing, but there’s the distinct feeling that Delain are hungrier than ever and far from resting on past successes, they’re here to take on the world and win over both the faithful and new converts too.
The blend is perfect and with the propulsive instrumental versions of ‘Dance with the Devil’ and ‘The Reaping’, along with a volcanic ‘Underland’, this extended EP closes as it started, with an earthshaking bang. Arguably better than ever, this is a phenomenal next step for the band and cements Delain’s place in the upper echelons of metal bands. Here’s to the future.
Pre-order here. Listen to the title track, “Dance With The Devil” here.
Don’t miss the following shows:
Fri 15th Nov – GLASGOW Garage
Sat 16th Nov – WOLVERHAMPTON KK’s Steel Mill
Mon 18th Nov – BELFAST Limelight 2
Tue 19th Nov – DUBLIN Academy
Thu 21st Nov – MANCHESTER New Century
Fri 22nd Nov – BRISTOL SWX
Sat 23rd Nov – LONDON Electric Ballroom
Tickets are on sale now for all dates here.
DELAIN are: Martijn Westerholt – keyboards, Diana Leah – vocals, Ronald Landa – guitars and backing vocals, Ludovico Cioffi – bass and backing vocals, and Sander Zoer – drums.
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