Tuesday 5 July 2016

Review: DELAIN - 'Lunar Prelude', Released 9 February 2016 via Napalm Records


DELAIN - 'Lunar Prelude'
Released 9 February 2016 via Napalm Records

Funnily enough I thought I was about to review an album when I realised it was what I called a 'High Powered EP'. 8 titles altogether, including 4 live tracks, and a new version of a title called 'Don’t let go'.

The band is described as a Dutch symphonic metal band. I am a simple guy so I am taking a short cut and kind of think Nightwish for that purpose. This is not a new band (formed in 2002) and there is an album coming in August so consider this EP as an 'amuse bouche'.

Let’s tick the box first: brilliant vocals... always nice to hear a lady that can really sing (especially compared to other combos on this label), neat and clear production. Overall the whole thing sounds very sleek and professional. The new version of Don’t Let Go with its dance sound alike intro is OK but I would not blame you if you thought you had reached a Metal version of the Eurovision. The song does function but does not stick.

The live titles are good. The vocals are strong, the guitars are clear, but the crowd does not go wild and I am not mad too about the epic songs.

'Suckerpunch' on the other hand, one of the studio titles, is pleasant with obviously some cross over keyboards that have an eye on the mainstream market. There is a Pop flavour to the two other titles too but listen, Delain is not the Abba of Metal. The songs are solid but I would not really remember them if I am super honest. I think the big choruses are probably attractive to some and there is obviously a market for this type of music so it is a bit like those B-movies: they are honest efforts, well intended, they entertain you on the spot but are hardly memorable unless they become a GUILTY PLEASURE.
Review by Pascal Derrien



Overall: Honest Effort for those who are not overly fan of that genre
If you pick 2 only: Sukerpunch and Don’t let Go
Live Test: Solid delivery

'Lunar Prelude' track listing:

01. Suckerpunch
02. Turn the Lights Out
03. Don't Let Go (New Version)
04. Lullaby (Live 2015)
05. Stardust (Live 2015)
06. Here Come The Vultures (Live 2015)
07. Army Of Dolls (Live 2015)
08. Suckerpunch Orchestra

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