Delain – The Human Contradiction (Album review)

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The symphonic/gothic metal band from the Netherlands known as Delain, conjured in 2002 by former Within Temptation keyboardist Martijn Westerholt and To Eliysum vocalist Charlotte Wessels, are back with their forth full-length album in 2014. Titled The Human Contradiction, the album comes two years after the highly successful internationally charted album We Are the Others. Sustaining a similar line-up for some time now, the band is rounded out by Sander Zoer (drums), Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (bass), and Timo Somers (guitar).  After being a well known act within their respected genre for some time, Delain finally made their first appearance in North America in 2013; and it appears are hitting their peak stride.  With featured production of Westerholt, The Human Contradiction also features a wide range of guest musician appearances making for an exciting album fans have awaited.

The opening track “Here Comes the Vultures” is absorbing, with an ingenious melody, heavy guitar riffs, and dark horror movie like atmosphere; making for a shivering combination.  The introductory song absolutely nails it and makes you long for more.   The second song “Your Body Is a Battlefield” shows a different side of the album with aggression and force.  The song features an appearance by old friend Marco Hietala (Nigtwish, Tarot, etc.) who is a true multitask-master of Northern European metal. No stranger to working with Delain, Hietala also participated on their previous albums; Lucidity (2006) and April Rain (2009).  On “Stardust”, Wessels shows off the diversity of her beautiful voice, and the keyboard playing of Westerholt stands out as well with catchy melodies that bring that extra something to the dance. Moving along, “My Masquerade” is a classic gothic laced song with deep male vocals in the chorus, heavy guitars, and fascinating lyrics; making the whole package work like a charm.  The song “Tell Me, Mechanist” is yet another jewel of the album with Wessels’ bright voice combining with the special appearance by George Oosthoeks’ (Orphanage) deep growls and beautiful gothic melodies that make this song incomparable.  The song represents the heavier side of The Human Contradiction, but is still tender, and that is what makes it one of the best songs of the album.

Midway through the album “Sing to Me” is another song which features Hietala.  Perhaps because of its orchestral elements, the song has a very strong Nightwish vibe; which is pleasure to hear.  Keeping strong lyrical content, “Army of Dolls” takes a stance on today’s twisted beauty standards. The deeper meaning of the words and heavy guitar riffs make “Army of Dolls” another intriguing song off the album.

Taking things down a notch, “Lullaby” features a mellow tone and sleepy singing that may appeal to some and not others.  Which leads into the climax of closing song “In The Tragedy of the Commons” featuring a vocal appearance of Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy).  The interesting hybrid of both the bright female vocals of Wessels and deep growl of White-Gluz provides for a nice spicy contrast to this concluding epic song.

The Human Contradiction successfully brings traditional gothic music into the modern day. It is a delightfully good album and sets the bar high for one of the best gothic-metal album of the year. Even though Delain has developed and reduced the symphonic elements, they stay loyal to their own style. There are a lot of gothic metal bands with female vocalists and Delain has what it takes to stand out of the group. In this album they have managed to emphasize that even more than in the past work.  The album is a solid package of gold and will surely bring them a big bunch of new fans.  CrypticRock give this album 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Napalm Records
Napalm Records
Review written by Pauliina Åkerlund

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