"Dark waters" CD by Delain

Comes in a digisleeve.

'The Dutch symphonic metal pioneers DELAIN are back with their brand new studio album Dark Waters, which will be released on February 10, 2023. The highly anticipated work represents a new era in the band's history and features the formation around the creative head, keyboardist, founder, and songwriter Martijn Westerholt, in a new lineup. Guitarist Ronald Landa and drummer Sander Zoer provide a return to the personnel, and they are joined by two new members, bassist Ludovico Cioffi and singer Diana Leah. DELAIN have further developed their sound with these additions while staying true to their essence. Following the chart success of Apocalypse & Chill in 2020 (including reaching #14 on the German Album Charts), Dark Waters effortlessly continues this sound and stands for an album full of sophistication and sensitivity. With skillful use of orchestral arrangements combined with modern nuances, the quintet sets new standards and once again solidifies its position at the forefront of the genre. Dark Waters delivers a sonorous roller coaster ride with catchy tunes and tension-filled elements every few meters. From pop to film music to powerful metal, these elements harmoniously blend with the versatile vocal power of the new frontwoman who proves her position with outstanding talent.

Songs like the previously released standalone single 'The Quest and the Curse' or 'The Cold,' whose epicness is enhanced by a real choir, entice with a bombastic sound that skillfully combines orchestral melodies with heavy riffs and emphasizes Diana's strong vocals. DELAIN impressively manage to never lose sight of their characteristic sound, making them a constant presence that never stands still. The pop-influenced opening track 'Hideaway Paradise' embodies this creed precisely, creating a dreamlike feeling together with guitar work influenced by metal, while the ballad-like, dark 'Mirror of Night' (feat. Within Temptation guitarist Ruud Jolie) seduces the listener with captivating sound and melody. In 'Queen of Shadow,' instrumental opulence, synth sounds, and heavy guitars merge, offering exactly what DELAIN has been known for since their inception. Vocally, the track is supported by guest singer Paolo Ribaldini, who can also be heard in the hauntingly beautiful 'Beneath' - a song that also walks closely to the original DELAIN sound and represents a fusion between pop and metal. In 'Tainted Hearts,' Westerholt's keyboard arrangements take center stage, expertly showcasing the creative roots of the mastermind. 'Invictus' is nothing short of the opus magnum of the album - a standalone rock opera with heavy riffing, choirs, and vocal performances by Diana Leah, Paolo Ribaldini, and Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish), culminating in a bombastic climax that leaves nothing to be desired.

Dark Waters is both a fresh start and a safe harbor, undoubtedly continuing the legacy of these millions-streamed leading symphonic metal pioneers. It includes everything that DELAIN represents and is loved for - and much more.'