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Delain
Delain
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Delain is a Dutch symphonic metal band formed in 2002 by keyboardist Martijn Westerholt. After his departure from Within Temptation in 2001, Westerholt formed Delain the following year, intending for the band to be solely a project, but stopped after the release of one demo. In 2005, Westerholt restarted Delain alongside singer Charlotte Wessels, and released the debut studio album, Lucidity, in September 2006. The band began to perform publicly following the positive reception the album received.

Key Information

After the release of the band's sixth studio album, Apocalypse & Chill, in February 2020, the members parted ways the following year, while Westerholt stated he would continue the band as a solo project. In June 2021, Westerholt announced that there would be a new lineup involving former and new members, with Diana Leah later being announced as the new lead vocalist in August 2022. Following the new lineup's formation, the band released their seventh studio album, Dark Waters, in February 2023.

As of 2026, Delain have released seven studio albums, three EPs, one live album and nineteen music videos.

History

[edit]

2002–2010: Early years, Lucidity and April Rain

[edit]
Delain performing in 2007

In 2002, Westerholt formed Delain, after he was forced to leave Within Temptation in 2001 due to Pfeiffer's disease. The name of the band came from the "Kingdom of Delain" in Stephen King's novel, The Eyes of the Dragon.[2] In the same year, they independently released the demo Amenity. After the demo, Westerholt temporarily left the project behind but continued to write music.

In 2005, he joined with Charlotte Wessels, and was signed to Roadrunner Records. At the time, the band was envisioned as a musical project featuring a host of guest musicians, and not as a live band.

Lucidity brought to fruition Westerholt's dream of a musical project, featuring many well-known musicians from the metal community: Marko Hietala, Liv Kristine, Ariën van Weesenbeek, Ad Sluijter, George Oosthoek and Guus Eikens, Sharon den Adel and Jan Yrlund.

Despite many delays, Lucidity was released in September 2006, to generally positive reviews. The album spawned three singles: "Frozen", "See Me in Shadow" and "The Gathering", and the response to the album allowed Delain to tour in support in the Netherlands and neighboring countries. Rob van der Loo, Ronald Landa and Sander Zoer were added on bass, guitar and drums respectively to round out the live band.

At the end of 2007, Delain announced that they were working on their second album. New songs from the album – "Stay Forever" and "Start Swimming" – were added to the band's setlist in early 2008. Their second album, April Rain was released on 9 February 2009. The lead single was the title track, "April Rain", followed by "Stay Forever". The band toured extensively in support of the album, visiting many new countries such as the United States and Mexico, as well as performing at high-profile festivals in Europe, including Hellfest, Lowlands, Wacken Open Air and Sonisphere.[3] In February 2010, Delain announced they had started working on their third album, and that bassist Rob van der Loo would leave the band the same year due to time constraints.[4] In March, Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije was announced as Rob's successor.[5] On 4 October 2010, Delain announced they were to part company with guitarist Ewout Pieters.[6][7] Timo Somers was announced as his replacement on 17 April 2011.[8]

2011–2013: We Are the Others

[edit]
Delain performing in Strasbourg, 2011

During their 2011 live shows, Delain debuted three new songs — "Manson" (later renamed to "Mother Machine"), "Get the Devil Out of Me" and "Milk and Honey" — from their third album, We Are the Others. In an interview with Sonic Cathedral, Wessels discussed the inspiration she drew from the Sophie Lancaster case:

I remember when I first heard about it … it wasn't on Dutch news, I just heard about it through Internet networks and the goth scene … there was this movie made about it, a short film of about four minutes. I saw it, and I just cried. It's so incredibly sad! After seeing the movie, I didn't really DO anything with it until we were working on "We Are The Others." But the basic idea of the lyrics was there. It was just supposed to be a song about "we are the others" and a feeling of togetherness. On the one hand, being proud of whoever you are, whether you divert from the norm in whatever way you divert from the norm. But on the other hand, it is also kind of a song for "others". We just wanted a song about acceptance.[9]

Originally intended for release in early 2012,[10] the album's release date was unknown due to Warner Music's purchase of Roadrunner Records.[9] However, it was announced via a Facebook message on the band official page that the album would be released on 1 June 2012 with the album's first single, 'Get the Devil Out of Me' being released on 13 April 2012 [11] via CNR Music, who took over Delain from Warner Music. The second single from the album was the title track, 'We Are the Others'.

Delain released a compilation album entitled Interlude on 1 May 2013, that includes new songs, covers, live tracks, special versions of previous songs and a bonus DVD.[12]

2014–2020: The Human Contradiction to Apocalypse & Chill

[edit]
Delain performing at Epic Metal Fest in 2015

On 23 January 2014, Delain announced that they would release a new album entitled The Human Contradiction. It was released on 5 April 2014 in Europe, and on 8 April 2014 in North America.

Drummer Sander Zoer stepped down from the band on 4 June 2014 for personal reasons; though he would continue working behind the scenes of Delain. Ruben Israel was announced at the same time as his replacement.[13]

The band brought with them Merel Bechtold as a second guitarist for their UK tour in November 2014. Bassist Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije suffered an injury on 26 November 2014, when he was accidentally hit by a streamer cannon, causing his left testicle to rupture. This incident was said to be caused by uncertain stage positioning, as there were six people onstage instead of the usual five.[14] While he was recovering, the band used pre-recorded bass parts. No permanent damage was done, and Schimmelpenninck van der Oije resumed touring in January 2015. Merel Bechtold filled in for guitarist Timo Somers until February, due to Somers' full schedule.

Delain toured with Sabaton and Battle Beast, and also North America with Sabaton as support for Nightwish for the first half of 2015 and returned to Latin America during October as support of them. Delain toured as support again for Nightwish in North America in 2016 with Sonata Arctica. This made it the fourth year in a row the band had toured in the United States and Canada.[15]

On 19 October 2015, Delain made recurring touring guitarist Merel Bechtold a permanent member.[16]

Delain performing in 2017

Delain announced an eight track EP of new and live songs named Lunar Prelude. The EP was released on 19 February 2016.[17] Their first single, "Suckerpunch", of the EP was released on 5 February.[18]

The band announced a new album of ten original songs and one "Queen" cover named Moonbathers. The record was released on 26 August 2016.[19]

Delain's first live video album, A Decade of Delain: Live at Paradiso was filmed at the Paradiso in Amsterdam, Netherlands for the band's 10th anniversary on 10 December 2016. It was released on 27 October 2017.[20]

On 30 August 2018, Joey de Boer was made a permanent member of Delain after filling in for Ruben Israel, who left the band in October 2017.[21][22]

Delain announced a new EP titled Hunter's Moon on 13 December 2018. The EP was released on 22 February 2019.[23] "Masters of Destiny", the first single off of the EP was released on 11 January 2019 along with a music video.[24]

Merel Bechtold announced on 16 June 2019 that she was amicably leaving the band to pursue other musical interests. Her last show with Delain took place at Graspop Metal Meeting on 23 June 2019.[25]

On 27 September 2019, "Burning Bridges", the first single off of the album was released, which made its debut days before during their North America tour.[26] On 15 November 2019, the second single off of the album, "One Second", was released.[27]

The band officially announced the title of their sixth studio album, Apocalypse & Chill, on 29 November 2019. It was released on 7 February 2020.[28]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the band was nominated by Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz for a benefit livestream concert called Together at Home. Lead singer Charlotte Wessels and guitarist Timo Somers both participated and did an acoustic version of songs and were the final performers of the livestream nominations.[29]

2021–present: Lineup changes, Dark Waters and upcoming eighth studio album

[edit]
Delain performing in Leipzig in 2024

Delain's lineup had dissolved on 15 February 2021, and initially was stated that it would be continuing as a solo project of Westerholt's who stated that he would "keep Delain alive". In the statement, he said: "Delain will live on. The others have chosen to pursue different paths. I have decided to keep Delain alive by continuing on with writing and producing the music for Delain as I always have. I started Delain as a project in 2002 and for the next album I will take it back to a project form, releasing music with special guests. As it looks now many familiar faces will be returning to join me on this journey."[30] Wessels moved forward with her solo career, but wished the other departing members and the fans well in a statement:

"I hope that Delain remains a positive force in everyone's lives. We Are The Others, always will be, and none of this changes that."[31]

On 9 June 2021, Westerholt stated in an interview that the band would continue to be a live entity that would consist of new and former members. He continued on to state that there would be a lot of Delain DNA in the new lineup.[32]

It was announced on 28 June 2021 that Sander Zoer who previously was Delain's drummer, had returned as the first member for the new lineup of the band.[33] On 12 July 2021, Delain reintroduced Ronald Landa who was the band's original guitarist up until April Rain, as their guitarist.[34] On 28 February 2022, it was announced that former bassist Rob van der Loo would be featured as a guest musician for the album.[35] On 19 May 2022, Ludovico Cioffi joined the band as the new bassist.[36] While announcing that they would return to performing shows in November 2022,[37] the band released the new single, "The Quest and the Curse", on 9 August 2022,[38] as well as announcing their new lead vocalist, Diana Leah.[39] The band's new lineup performed for the first time in Aarburg, Switzerland for the Riverside festival on 27 August 2022.[40] The second single, "Beneath", which was performed by the band in Zwolle was released on 29 November 2022.[41][42] Simultaneously on the same day of the single's release, the band also announced the title of their seventh studio album, Dark Waters, which was released on 10 February 2023.[43] On 10 January 2023, the third single along with a music video in support of it was released for the song, "Moth to a Flame".[44]

To support the release of Dark Waters, the band toured Europe in April and May 2023 with Xandria and Illumishade,[45] followed by a North American tour in September 2023 with Visions of Atlantis.[46][47]

On 5 September 2024, the band released the single "Dance with the Devil", and simultaneously announced the Dance with the Devil EP, which was released on 8 November 2024.[48] Two other singles were released in support of the EP, a live version of "Moth to a Flame",[49] and "The Reaping".[50] Delain toured the United Kingdom and Ireland on the month of the EP's release,[51] followed by a North American tour in March 2025 with Xandria and Edge of Paradise.[52][53] After two performances in Amstelveen and Enschede in October 2025, the band took a year off from touring to focus on songwriting for their upcoming eighth studio album.[54][55]

Band members

[edit]

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
NLD
[56]
GER
[57]
SWI
[58]
UK
[59][60][61]
BEL (WA)
[62]
BEL (FL)
[63]
FRA
[64]
JPN
[65]
Lucidity
  • Released: 4 September 2006
  • Label: Roadrunner Records
  • Formats: CD, download
43
April Rain
  • Released: 20 March 2009
  • Label: Roadrunner Records
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
14 96 91 192 88 127
We Are the Others
  • Released: 1 June 2012
  • Label: Roadrunner
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
4 77 43 75 99 82 118 221
The Human Contradiction
  • Released: 4 April 2014
  • Label: Napalm
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
25 40 24 44 90 65 106 185
Moonbathers
  • Released: 26 August 2016
  • Label: Napalm
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
15 17 18 50 37 23 93
[66]
128
Apocalypse & Chill
  • Released: 7 February 2020
  • Label: Napalm
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
24 14 8 59 45
Dark Waters
  • Released: 10 February 2023
  • Label: Napalm
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
35 9 10 177 57
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Live albums

[edit]
Title Live album details Peak chart positions
NLD
[56]
BEL (WA)
[62]
BEL (FL)
[63]
GER
[57]
A Decade of Delain: Live at Paradiso
  • Released: 27 October 2017
  • Label: Napalm Records
  • Formats: CD, DVD, Blu-ray
78 123 107 64

Compilations

[edit]
Title Compilation details Peak chart positions
NLD
[56]
GER
[57]
BEL (WA)
[62]
BEL (FL)
[63]
Interlude
  • Released: 1 May 2013
  • Label: Napalm
  • Formats: CD, CD+DVD, download
37 91 124 141

EPs

[edit]
Title EP details Peak chart positions
NLD
[56]
GER
[57]
SWI
[58]
BEL (WA)
[62]
BEL (FL)
[63]
Lunar Prelude
  • Released: 19 February 2016
  • Label: Napalm
  • Formats: CD, download
Hunter's Moon
  • Released: 22 February 2019[67]
  • Label: Napalm
  • Formats: CD, CD+Blu-Ray, download
54 24 24 102 109
Dance with the Devil
  • Released: 8 November 2024
  • Label: Napalm
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Album
NLD
[68]
2007 "Frozen" 36 Lucidity
"See Me in Shadow" 46
"Shattered"
2008 "The Gathering"
2009 "Stay Forever" April Rain
"April Rain"
"Smalltown Boy" Interlude
2010 "Nothing Left" April Rain
2012 "Get the Devil Out of Me" We Are the Others
"We Are the Others"
2013 "Are You Done with Me" Interlude
2014 "Your Body Is a Battleground" The Human Contradiction
"Stardust"
2015 "Sing to Me"
2016 "Suckerpunch" Lunar Prelude
"The Glory and the Scum" Moonbathers
"Fire with Fire"
2019 "Masters of Destiny" Hunter's Moon
"Burning Bridges" Apocalypse & Chill
"One Second"
2020 "Ghost House Heart"
2022 "The Quest and the Curse" Dark Waters
"Beneath"
2023 "Moth to a Flame"
"Queen of Shadow"
2024 "Dance with the Devil" Dance with the Devil
"Moth to a Flame" (live)
"The Reaping"
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Music videos

[edit]
  • "Frozen" (2007)
  • "See Me in Shadow" (2007)
  • "The Gathering" (2008)
  • "Stay Forever" (2009)
  • "April Rain" (2009)
  • "Get the Devil Out of Me" (2012)
  • "We Are the Others" (2012)
  • "Are You Done with Me" (2013)
  • "Stardust" (2014)
  • "Suckerpunch" (2016)
  • "Fire with Fire" (live video; 2016)
  • "Masters of Destiny" (2019)
  • "Burning Bridges" (2019)
  • "Ghost House Heart" (2020)
  • "The Quest and the Curse" (2022)
  • "Beneath" (2022)
  • "Moth to a Flame" (2023)
  • "Queen of Shadow" (2023)
  • "Dance with the Devil" (2024)
  • "The Reaping" (2024)

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominated work Result Notes
2007 MTV Europe Music Awards New Sounds of Europe Best New Band Nominated Knocked out on the eleventh day
TMF Awards Best Rock Best New Band Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Delain is a Dutch symphonic metal band formed in 2002 by keyboardist and primary songwriter after his exit from due to health concerns. Initially conceived as a studio project, it released its debut album Lucidity in 2006, featuring guest appearances by vocalists such as and , and evolved into a live act with subsequent releases emphasizing orchestral elements, heavy guitar riffs, and anthemic choruses. The band has produced seven studio albums to date, including (2009), We Are the Others (2012), and the most recent Dark Waters (2023) via , alongside three EPs and collaborations with artists like and . Delain has performed at major festivals such as , Graspop, and , and supported tours by acts including , , and , establishing itself as an early-generation outfit. In February 2021, vocalist and other members departed amid disagreements over the band's direction and creative control, leaving Westerholt to reform Delain as his solo project; original guitarist Ronald Landa and drummer Sander Zoer rejoined in 2021, with vocalist Diana Leah and bassist Ludovico Cioffi added in 2022, shifting toward a more collaborative yet Westerholt-led dynamic. This lineup has sustained international touring, including a 2025 North American headline run.

History

2002–2010: Formation, Lucidity, and April Rain

Delain was founded in 2002 by keyboardist and composer in , , following his departure from due to health issues related to Epstein-Barr virus infection. Initially conceived as a studio project, Westerholt spent several years developing material, collaborating with session musicians and guest artists rather than assembling a fixed live lineup. The project's debut album, Lucidity, was recorded primarily in 2005 and released on September 4, 2006, via . Featuring symphonic metal arrangements with orchestral elements and guest vocal contributions—including Marko Hietala on "Sever" and "No Compliance," George Oosthoek on "Silhouette of a Dancer," and on "No Compliance"—the album comprised 10 tracks such as "Frozen," "See Me in Shadow," and "Shattered," emphasizing melodic hooks and atmospheric production. To support Lucidity with live performances, Westerholt recruited vocalist in 2005, alongside bassist Rob van der Loo, guitarist Ronald Landa, and drummer Sander Zoer, forming Delain's initial touring ensemble. The band toured starting in 2007, including festival appearances like Westerpop, which helped build a fanbase within the scene despite the album's modest initial sales. Singles "Frozen" (January 2007), "See Me in Shadow" (July 2007), and "Shattered" (2007) received radio play and video promotion, though the project retained a collaborative ethos with Westerholt as the primary creative force. Delain's second album, , marked a transition to a more band-oriented effort, recorded in 2008 and released on February 9, 2009, by internationally, with a Benelux rollout on March 20. Featuring Wessels on lead vocals across tracks like the title song, "Stay Forever," and "Virtue and Vice," the album expanded on Lucidity's sound with heavier guitar riffs and refined orchestration, produced by Westerholt and mixed by Joost van den Broek. Singles "April Rain" and "Stay Forever" drove promotion, including music videos and tours supporting acts like . By 2010, the band had solidified its core lineup, though guitarist Landa departed in 2009 to pursue other commitments, later replaced internally for ongoing activities. This period established Delain's reputation for accessible , with both albums achieving cult followings in .

2011–2014: We Are the Others and commercial breakthrough

In 2011, Delain solidified its live lineup with guitarist Ronald Landa, bassist Rob van der Loo, and drummer Sander Zoer alongside core members on keyboards and vocalist , enabling the band to perform new material during shows that year, including early previews of tracks later featured on their third studio album. This period marked a shift toward a more cohesive band dynamic, as We Are the Others became the first Delain release recorded entirely with the group's own members, eschewing guest vocalists on original songs for the first time. The album We Are the Others was released on May 31, 2012, in the via CNR Music, with subsequent European rollout on June 1 and a U.S. launch on July 3 through . It featured 11 tracks, including the "Get the Devil Out of Me" issued on April 13, blending symphonic elements with heavier riffs and guest vocals from Fear Factory's on "Where Is the Blood." The title track "We Are the Others," released as the second single on September 11 with an accompanying , addressed themes of acceptance and outsider identity, drawing inspiration from the 2007 , and became a signature anthem for the band. Supporting the album, Delain embarked on the We Are the Others Tour in 2012, performing across with stops including , , and expanding to headline festivals and club shows that built momentum despite challenges such as Warner Music Group's abrupt withdrawal of tour support shortly before scheduled dates. This release represented Delain's commercial breakthrough, elevating their profile in the scene through increased live attendance and recognition as a key player alongside peers, with the title track achieving enduring fan and media acclaim as a pivotal hit. In 2013, the band issued the Interlude compilation, featuring acoustic renditions and live recordings from prior albums, further sustaining visibility ahead of their next full-length effort.

2014–2020: The Human Contradiction through Apocalypse & Chill

Delain's fourth studio album, The Human Contradiction, was released on April 4, 2014, in Europe and April 8, 2014, in North America through Napalm Records. The album featured singles such as "Here Come the Vultures" and "Army of Dolls," with the former accompanied by a music video. In its first week, it sold approximately 1,900 copies in the United States, entering charts at high positions including No. 8 on relevant hard music listings. The band supported the release with extensive touring across Europe and North America, including appearances at festivals and headline shows. On June 4, 2014, original drummer Sander Zoer announced his departure from live performances due to personal commitments, though he continued contributing behind the scenes. Session and touring drummers, such as Ruben Israel, filled the role during subsequent tours. The band's core lineup otherwise remained stable, consisting of on keyboards, on vocals, Timo Somers on guitar, and Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije on bass. In 2016, Delain issued their fifth album, Moonbathers, on August 26 worldwide via . The release included the Lunar Prelude EP, featuring live recordings from a Dutch performance, marking the band's first official live material. Singles like "" and "Stardust" promoted the album, which was supported by international tours, including North American dates in 2017. The sixth album, Apocalypse & Chill, followed on February 7, 2020, again through . Addressing themes of societal indifference amid crisis, it featured tracks like "One Last Good Day" and was released amid growing global disruptions from the , leading to tour cancellations. Despite challenges, the band maintained activity through online engagement and pre-recorded content during this period.

2021–2022: Lineup overhaul and internal disputes

In February 2021, Delain's lineup underwent a major overhaul when vocalist Charlotte Wessels, guitarist Timo Somers, bassist Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije, and drummer Joey de Boer announced their departure from the band. Founder and keyboardist Martijn Westerholt, who owns the band's trademark, stated that internal disagreements over the project's direction had persisted for about a year, culminating in his proposal for a restructured model where he would focus exclusively on songwriting and production while stepping away from live performances due to ongoing health issues related to Lyme disease. The departing members, however, sought to maintain Delain as a fully active touring ensemble, leading to an irreconcilable split. Wessels described the exit as stemming from a fundamental conflict that could not be resolved, expressing frustration that compromise proved impossible after 16 years with . Schimmelpenninck van der Oije similarly noted that Westerholt had grown disengaged from touring, and the band's evolution had diverged from his original vision, exacerbating tensions. Westerholt, in retrospect, acknowledged preexisting cracks in the group's dynamics but emphasized his intent to preserve Delain's creative core under his control, announcing it would continue as his studio project without live obligations for him. This restructuring allowed Westerholt to retain long-time collaborator Ronald Landa on guitars, who had been part of earlier lineups and returned to support the transition. By mid-2021, Westerholt began assembling a new performing lineup, revealing plans for fresh members to handle tours while he contributed remotely. In early 2022, vocalist Diana Leah and bassist Ludovico Cioffi officially joined, alongside drummer Sander Zoer, enabling Delain to resume live activities with a revamped, collaborative team dynamic focused on balanced input rather than Westerholt's prior dominant role. The overhaul marked a shift toward for Westerholt, prioritizing and studio creativity amid the disputes, though he later indicated no interest in reconciling with Wessels or the ex-members for future collaborations.

2023–present: Dark Waters, Dance with the Devil EP, and future directions

In February 2023, Delain released their seventh studio album, Dark Waters, through , marking the first full-length effort from the band's restructured lineup following the 2021–2022 internal disputes. The album featured contributions from founder and keyboardist , vocalist Diana Leah, guitarist Ronald Landa, drummer Sander Zoer, and bassist Ludovico Cioffi, emphasizing a collaborative songwriting process that Westerholt described as a "team effort" in subsequent reflections. Production highlighted symphonic elements with electronic influences, produced by Westerholt and mixed by . To promote Dark Waters, Delain embarked on an extensive tour schedule, including a European headline run in April and May 2023, followed by their first U.S. tour in September 2023 co-headlining with . The band maintained momentum with festival appearances, such as in August 2023, and continued live performances into 2024 and 2025, including shows in documented as recently as October 2025. On November 8, 2024, Delain issued the Dance with the Devil EP via , comprising three new studio tracks—"Dance with the Devil," "," and a re-recorded "Sleepwalkers Dream" featuring Leah's vocals—alongside live recordings like "The Cold" from prior tours. The EP extended the electronic-symphonic style of Dark Waters, with Westerholt noting it as an opportunity to experiment with refreshed arrangements of older material. As of late 2025, Delain's trajectory under the current quintet shows stability, with Westerholt affirming the lineup's cohesion enables sustained creativity without reliance on external vocalists, contrasting prior dependencies. Ongoing tour commitments through 2025–2026, including European and North American dates, indicate no announced disbandment or major shifts, positioning the band for potential future full-length releases building on the EP's momentum.

Musical style and influences

Symphonic metal foundations and key elements

Delain's foundations stem from founder Martijn Westerholt's experience as a in , where he contributed to early symphonic integrations of orchestral and heavy elements before departing in 2001 to form the band in 2002 as a studio project emphasizing bombastic, theatrical compositions. This origin positioned Delain within the Dutch scene, alongside acts like , by prioritizing layered orchestral arrangements over purely gothic or melodic death influences prevalent in some contemporaries. Westerholt's vision focused on dramatic, epic structures that blend classical grandeur with metal aggression, evolving from initial demo recordings into full albums that established the band's core sound by 2006's Lucidity. Key elements include prominent orchestral components such as strings, choirs, and synth-orchestral hybrids that create textured, cinematic layers enhancing guitar riffs and vocal melodies, as seen in tracks intertwining heavy guitars with sweeping orchestral lines. Ludovico Cioffi has noted the orchestra's role in adding "a lot of textures and sound" and "layers that can enhance... what the singer does and riffs do," underscoring its foundational contribution to Delain's depth beyond standard metal instrumentation. Heavy, saturated guitar tones provide rhythmic drive and melodic hooks, often arranged for bombast, while keyboards and electronic synth elements—drawing from influences—infuse modern accessibility, distinguishing Delain from more rigidly classical symphonic peers. Female vocals, typically soaring and melodic, anchor the symphonic framework, with occasional growls or guest features adding contrast, as in early works featuring orchestral swells and choral backing for epic choruses. These components yield a signature sound that Westerholt describes as uniquely modern within , avoiding generic tropes through personal evolution and electronic infusions, though retaining core heavy-orchestral interplay across releases. highlights Delain's "renowned orchestral arrangements, highlighted by modern shadings," which set standards in the genre by balancing accessibility with intensity. This foundation has persisted despite lineup changes, with symphonic elements like massive orchestral parts and riff-orchestration merges remaining central to tracks as recent as 2023's Dark Waters.

Evolution across albums and lineup shifts

Delain's debut album Lucidity (2006) established the band's foundation through a project-based approach, featuring guest vocalists such as and alongside Martijn Westerholt's keyboard-driven compositions, emphasizing orchestral arrangements, gothic atmospheres, and heavy guitar riffs influenced by Westerholt's prior work with . The album's style prioritized symphonic bombast over live band dynamics, with fluid session musicians contributing to its ethereal yet metallic sound. The follow-up April Rain (2009) marked a shift toward a more structured ensemble, incorporating live band elements while retaining guest appearances, including early contributions from Charlotte Wessels; this evolution introduced catchier pop-metal hooks and refined synth work, broadening accessibility without fully departing from gothic symphonic roots. From We Are the Others (2012) onward, with Wessels as permanent lead vocalist and a stabilized lineup including guitarist Timo Somers, Delain's sound diversified into radio-friendly symphonic metal, blending techno-influenced beats, soaring choruses, and varied song structures that contrasted the uniformity of prior releases, fostering commercial appeal through melodic hooks and semi-operatic vocals. The Human Contradiction (2014) amplified aggression with heavier riffs and dual-vocal experiments, such as Alissa White-Gluz's growls on select tracks, enhancing the symphonic bombast while maintaining catchy refrains. Subsequent albums Moonbathers (2016) sustained this melodic-heavy balance with thematic cohesion, but Apocalypse & Chill (2020) experimented with electronic and alternative influences, incorporating elements and reduced heaviness amid lineup tensions and Westerholt's burnout, resulting in a more introspective, pop-leaning departure from traditional metal structures. The 2021 lineup overhaul—triggered by departures of Wessels, bassist Otto Schimmelpenninck, and drummer Ruben due to creative disputes—saw Westerholt rebuild with vocalist Diana Leah, guitarist Ronald Landa, drummer Sander Zoer, and bassist Ludovico Cioffi, reinjecting vitality and prompting a stylistic recalibration. Dark Waters (2023) reflected this by discarding excessive pop melodies and alt-rock tendencies, reverting to heavier, traditional with darker tones, prominent guitars, and Leah's powerful, compatible vocals that aligned with the band's core while introducing fresh intensity. These shifts underscore how personnel stability from 2010–2020 enabled progressive experimentation, while the 2021 reforms, retaining Westerholt's songwriting vision, restored metal authenticity, with Leah's timbre facilitating a seamless yet invigorated continuity.

Band members

Current members

Delain's current lineup, stable since early 2022, features five core members responsible for the band's output, including the 2023 album Dark Waters. This configuration includes founder on keyboards alongside returning original members and newer additions, reflecting a post-2021 restructuring aimed at continuity and fresh energy.
MemberInstrument(s)Tenure with DelainNotes
Keyboards, piano, songwriting2002–present (rejoined 2021 after hiatus)Band founder and primary songwriter; Dutch musician born March 30, 1979.
Ronald LandaGuitars, backing vocals2002–2010, 2021–presentOriginal guitarist providing continuity; Dutch, born January 4, 1983.
Sander ZoerDrums2002–2010, 2021–presentOriginal bolstering ; Dutch, born October 7, 1979.
Diana LeahLead vocals2022–presentItalian-Dutch vocalist born August 27, 1990, fronting since lineup overhaul.
Ludovico Cioffi, growls2022–presentItalian born October 23, 1989, completing the current ensemble.
This lineup has supported touring, including North American headline dates in early 2025 and European shows, with Westerholt emphasizing a collaborative "team effort" dynamic. The members' prior experience in metal scenes contributes to Delain's symphonic style, blending orchestral elements with heavy instrumentation.

Former members

Charlotte Wessels served as Delain's lead vocalist from 2005 until her departure in February 2021, alongside guitarist Timo Somers (2011–2021), bassist Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (2010–2021), and drummer Joey de Boer (2019–2021), in a mass exit attributed to irreconcilable internal disputes with founder Martijn Westerholt. Wessels cited failed attempts at resolution, stating the situation left no viable alternative for continuation. Earlier lineup shifts included the exit of guitarist Guus Eikens after the 2010 April Rain tour, though he continued contributing as a non-touring songwriter until at least 2022. Rob van der Loo departed in 2009 after three years, replaced by Schimmelpenninck van der Oije. Sander Zoer left in 2011 following five years with the band but rejoined in 2022. In the project's formative phase prior to live performances, initial collaborators such as bassist Martijn Willemsen (2002–2005) and drummer Tim Kuper (2002–2005) contributed to early material but did not transition to the touring ensemble.
NameInstrumentActive Years
Lead vocals2005–2021
Timo SomersGuitar2011–2021
Otto Schimmelpenninck van der OijeBass2010–2021
Joey de BoerDrums2019–2021
Guus EikensGuitar, keyboards2006–2010 (live)
Rob van der LooBass2006–2009
Martijn WillemsenBass2002–2005
Tim KuperDrums2002–2005

Session and touring musicians

Delain's early incarnation as a studio project necessitated the use of session musicians for its 2006 debut album Lucidity. Ariën van Weesenbeek provided drums for the recording. Guitarist Ad Sluyter of Epica contributed guitar parts. In the live arena, the band augmented its lineup with touring musicians during initial performances and subsequent transitions. Ray van Lente handled guitar duties from 2006 to 2007. Ruben Israel served as touring drummer starting in 2013, filling in for Sander Zoer during Delain's support slot on Kamelot's tour, before ascending to full membership the following year. Similarly, Joey de Boer acted as interim drummer in late 2017 after Israel's exit, performing on select dates prior to his official integration into the band.
MusicianRolePeriodContext
Ariën van WeesenbeekDrums2006Session for Lucidity
Ad SluyterGuitar2006Session for Lucidity
Ray van LenteGuitar2006–2007Touring
Ruben IsraelDrums2013 (touring)Replacement during tour
Joey de BoerDrums2017Interim post-Israel departure

Timeline of changes

DateMemberAction
2002Founded Delain as a project following departure from due to illness.
2005Joined as .
2006Ronald LandaJoined as and .
2006Rob van der LooJoined as .
2006Sander ZoerJoined as .
2009Ronald LandaDeparted as .
2009Ewout PietersJoined as .
2010Ewout PietersDeparted as .
March 2010Otto Schimmelpenninck van der OijeJoined as , succeeding Rob van der Loo.
2011Timo SomersJoined as lead and .
2014Sander ZoerDeparted as ; Ruben Israel joined as permanent (touring from 2013).
October 2017Ruben IsraelDeparted as .
August 30, 2018Joey de BoerMade permanent .
February 15, 2021, Timo Somers, Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije, Joey de BoerAll departed amid internal disputes, leaving as the sole continuing member.
June 28, 2021Sander ZoerRejoined as .
2021Ronald LandaRejoined as .
2022Diana LeahJoined as .
May 19, 2022Ludovico CioffiJoined as permanent (with Rob van der Loo as guest for recordings).
Martijn Westerholt has remained the constant member and primary songwriter throughout. The 2021 departures were attributed to differing visions for the band's future, with Westerholt opting to continue under the Delain name with a restructured lineup emphasizing collaboration.

Discography

Studio albums

Delain has released seven studio albums since their formation.
TitleRelease dateLabel
LuciditySeptember 4, 2006Roadrunner Records
April RainApril 3, 2009Roadrunner Records
We Are the OthersMarch 9, 2012CNR Entertainment
The Human ContradictionApril 4, 2014Napalm Records
MoonbathersAugust 26, 2016Napalm Records
Apocalypse & ChillFebruary 7, 2020Napalm Records
Dark WatersFebruary 10, 2023Napalm Records

EPs and live releases

Delain has released three extended plays (EPs) and one live , supplementing their studio with acoustic reinterpretations, orchestral arrangements, and captured performances. The EPs often feature alternative versions of tracks from recent albums, emphasizing the band's symphonic elements through stripped-down or enhanced instrumentation. The live release documents a milestone celebrating the band's tenth anniversary.
TitleTypeRelease dateLabelNotes
InterludeEPMay 1, 2013Five tracks including acoustic and orchestral versions of songs from The Human Contradiction, plus a cover of "No Compliance"; limited edition includes bonus DVD with .
Symphonic Dark WatersEPAugust 30, 2023Six symphonic and acoustic renditions of tracks from Dark Waters, such as "Mirror of Night (Acoustic Version)" and "Hideaway Paradise (Piano Version)"; digital release highlighting orchestral arrangements.
Dance with the DevilEP2024Companion to the single release, featuring expanded versions or remixes; details limited but tied to promotional material for recent touring. (Note: Secondary confirmation via discography aggregators; primary via label announcements)
A Decade of Delain: Live at ParadisoLive albumOctober 27, 2017Double-CD recording of the band's 2017 performance at Amsterdam's Paradiso, spanning career highlights like "Hands of Gold" and "We Are the Others"; includes guest appearances and serves as both audio and video release.

Singles and music videos

Delain's singles have primarily served as promotional releases tied to their albums, often featuring symphonic metal arrangements with electronic elements and featuring guest vocalists in early years. Initial singles emerged from the band's debut album Lucidity (2006), including "Frozen" released in 2007, which included contributions from Within Temptation's Sharon den Adel on guest vocals. This was followed by "See Me in Shadow" in 2007, also from Lucidity. From April Rain (2009), singles encompassed "Stay Forever" and "April Rain" in 2009, with the latter peaking at number 22 on the Dutch Top 40 chart. Additional singles like "Smalltown Boy" (a cover of Bronski Beat, 2009) and "Nothing Left" (2010) supported ongoing promotion. In the , singles aligned with full-length releases, such as "Get the Devil Out of Me" from We Are the Others (), which reached number 29 on the Dutch charts. "Stardust" () promoted The Human Contradiction, while "Burning Bridges" () previewed Apocalypse & Chill () with a video emphasizing emotional themes of closure amid lineup transitions. Recent output under includes singles from Dark Waters (2023), such as "Beneath" (November 2022), "Queen of Shadow" (February 2023), and "Moth to a Flame" (January 2023), each accompanied by official videos highlighting the band's evolved electronic-symphonic sound. Standalone releases like "Dance with the Devil" (2024) and "The Reaping" (November 2024, with an acoustic version slated for 2025) continue this pattern, featuring videos produced for streaming platforms.
Single TitleRelease YearAssociated Album/ReleaseMusic Video?
Frozen2007LucidityYes
See Me in Shadow2007LucidityYes
The Gathering2008April RainYes
Stay Forever2009April RainYes
April Rain2009April RainYes
Smalltown Boy2009Standalone coverNo
Nothing Left2010April RainNo
Get the Devil Out of Me2012We Are the OthersYes
Stardust2014The Human ContradictionYes
Burning Bridges2019Apocalypse & ChillYes
Beneath2022Dark WatersYes
Queen of Shadow2023Dark WatersYes
Moth to a Flame2023Dark WatersYes
Dance with the Devil2024Standalone/EPNo
The Reaping2024Standalone/EPYes
This table compiles notable singles based on verified releases; early videos were often low-budget clips featuring live footage or simple narratives, evolving to higher-production values with narrative elements in recent years under .

Reception and impact

Critical assessments of early and mid-period work

Delain's debut album Lucidity (2006) received mixed assessments within the genre, praised for its professional production and vocal performance by guest singer but critiqued for leaning toward pop sensibilities over heavier elements. Reviewers noted the album's symphonic orchestration and gothic atmosphere as strengths, with clear, warm vocals enhancing the thick , yet highlighted its similarities to and a lack of innovation that prevented it from reaching excellence. Sputnikmusic described it as a "very good album" with spaced-out flaws that did not overly detract from enjoyable sections. The follow-up April Rain (2009), featuring Charlotte Wessels on lead vocals, was similarly commended for catchy melodies and Wessels' charming delivery, solidifying Delain's accessible symphonic style. Critics appreciated tracks like the title song and "On the Other Side" for their pop-infused appeal within a gothic framework, though some faulted uninspiring, clichéd lyrics and an easy-listening orientation that prioritized melody over aggression. Sonic Cathedral hailed it as Delain's strongest work to date, both musically and lyrically, emphasizing Wessels' voice. RockmusicRaider credited Wessels for elevating the album's gothic and qualities. In the mid-period, We Are the Others (2012) drew praise for its maturation and strong songwriting, with Wessels' vocals at their peak, but faced criticism for simplistic, poppy structures and limited heaviness, bordering on radio-friendly accessibility. Angry Metal Guy observed catchy yet non-heavy songs, occasionally featuring nu-metal riffing, while Sonic Cathedral noted a nice evolution in sound. The Human Contradiction (2014) intensified dramatic gothic elements and symphonic overtones, appearing darker than predecessors, with guest male vocals adding variety, though reviewers pointed to poppy verses and unremarkable social themes. Louder Sound rated it for its crammed dramatic style, while Sputnikmusic affirmed Delain's knack for catchy symphonic metal with poppy vocals. Overall, early and mid-period critiques consistently highlighted Delain's melodic strengths against perceptions of genre-lite poppiness, distinguishing them from heavier symphonic peers.

Responses to lineup changes and recent output

The 2021 departure of vocalist , guitarist Timo Somers, bassist Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije, and drummer Ruben Israel from Delain elicited widespread surprise and division among fans, with many expressing loyalty to Wessels and disappointment over the band's reconfiguration as founder 's project. Wessels herself described the split as frustrating due to unresolved internal conflicts, while acknowledging fans' mixed reactions to the subsequent changes. Online discussions reflected a split, with some fans abandoning Delain in favor of Wessels' solo career and others open to Westerholt's vision, citing fatigue with the prior lineup's output. Westerholt reformed the band in 2022 with returning members Ronald Landa and Sander Zoer, alongside new vocalist and bassist Ludovico Cioffi, prompting initial skepticism but eventual acceptance through live performances. Early shows, such as the April 2023 concert, drew positive crowd responses to the refreshed lineup, with audiences embracing Leah's vocals despite comparisons to Wessels. Leah noted in interviews that fan reactions validated the transition, bridging Delain's heritage with fresh energy, while Westerholt highlighted vocal similarities aiding continuity. The 2023 album Dark Waters, featuring Leah's debut and guest appearances from former members, was critically praised as a successful reinvention, retaining Delain's melodic symphonic style with enhanced and catchiness. Reviews commended its energetic tracks, atmospheric rock-opera elements, and powerful riffs, scoring it 7.5/10 from Metal Injection and hailing it as inspired and grandiosely melodic. Fans echoed this, with many on forums calling it one of Delain's strongest efforts, revitalizing interest post-changes through big choirs and orchestral depth. Subsequent output, including the November 2024 EP Dance with the Devil, continued this momentum by experimenting with boundaries while upholding core synth-metal traits, as noted in previews. Touring in 2024–2025, including North American dates, sustained positive reception, with plans for a Lucidity 20th anniversary project post-October 2025 hiatus signaling ongoing evolution.

Fan perspectives and commercial performance

Delain's albums have achieved modest commercial success within the niche, primarily charting in European markets. The band's 2014 release The Human Contradiction peaked at number 25 on the Dutch album charts, number 24 in , and number 26 in , reflecting targeted appeal in home and neighboring territories. In the United States, it sold approximately 1,900 copies in its first week, securing number 8 on the Heatseekers chart for emerging artists. Later albums like Dark Waters (2023) entered lower positions, such as number 57 in and , indicating sustained but limited mainstream penetration. Streaming metrics underscore a dedicated global fanbase, with Delain maintaining around 269,000 monthly listeners on as of late 2024, driven by tracks from albums spanning their discography. Live touring supports this visibility, including regular European dates and a 2025 North American headline run with , demonstrating viability in festival circuits and mid-sized venues despite not achieving broader crossover sales. Fans often commend Delain's blend of orchestral arrangements, melodic hooks, and accessible heaviness, viewing as a gateway to for its radio-friendly elements compared to heavier peers. Perspectives on lineup flux, including the 2021 departure of vocalist and subsequent reforms under founder , show division: some express nostalgia for original chemistry and critique perceived instability, while others praise the evolution toward a collaborative " effort" yielding fresher output, as in Dark Waters, which reviewers note delights those initially skeptical of changes. New vocalist Diana Leah has garnered approval for maintaining vocal dynamism, with live performances affirming the band's adaptability amid transitions.

References

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