Some pretty big challenges have been bestowed upon the Netherlands Metal outfit Delain in recent years. To start with, Lead Vocalist Charlotte Wessels made the surprising exit from the band back in 2021. A big blow to the band who had built a dedicated following around her voice, joining her departure were Guitarist Timo Somers, Bassist Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije, and Drummer Joey de Boer. Leaving only Keyboardist Martijn Westerholt, the former Within Temptation member rebuilt the foundation of Delain from the ground up. Bringing back both Drummer Sander Zoer and Guitarist Ronald Landa (members featured in both 2006’s Lucidity and 2009’s April Rain together), Italian’s Ludovico Cioffi came in as bassist/growling vocalist, with Diana Leah taking over as lead vocalist.
Massive changes indeed, many fans were sour about everything and wanted to dislike the 2023 new era Delain album Dark Waters… but it was so good it was too difficult to deny. A comeback that turned a negative directly into a positive, the songs were strong, the melodies irresistible, and Leah quickly established her identity with the band. Taking nothing away from the brilliance of Charlotte Wessels and respective former members who departed with her, it seems like Delain has moved forward into a new chapter that all should embrace.
Now rapidly piggybacking off the impressive Dark Waters, Delain returns in 2024 with a loaded EP they call Dance with the Devil. Set for release on November 8th through Napalm Records, it goes well beyond the expectations of a normal EP. A massive fifteen tracks, unheard of for an EP, Dance with the Devil features two brand new songs, a re-recorded edition of a much older one, instrumentals, live recordings, and more.
Redefining the way you look at an EP, obviously the drawing card of the new songs “Dance with the Devil” and “The Reaping.” Carrying over the sound of Dark Waters, both are exciting, energized pieces of synthesizer-driven modern Metal. Enchanting you with “Dance with the Devil,” it has an effective blend of styles that only grows into something even more intense with “The Reaping.” Galvanized by Leah’s voice, which seems to fit oh-so-perfectly with Delain 2.0, if anything, it shows there is still a bright path ahead for the band.
Beyond these two newbies, you also get to hear a re-recording of the 2006’s “Sleepwalker’s Dream.” Truthfully having more of an energetic approach than the original, it is not better, but just different. While paying respect to both renditions, let us say the updated version is fitting for Leah. This is joined by some powerful live recordings (a handful featuring the talents of Vocalist Paolo Ribaldini), instrumental editions of “Dance with the Devil” and “The Reaping,” plus Dark Water’s “Underland” with an extended, more complete conclusion.
So, if you enjoy what Delain has been doing in recent years, you could not ask for anything more than what Dance with the Devil offers. More than an EP, it could be viewed as the compass that solidifies the band moving forward. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this EP 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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