DELAIN
Interlude
Napalm (2013)
Rating: 8.5/10
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Dutch symphonic metal band Delain were formed in 2002 by former Within Temptation keyboardist Martijn Westerholt and ex-To Elysium vocalist Charlotte Wessels.
Interlude is an album for the fans that compiles new mixes, covers, live versions, and two new tracks that will not only satisfy those waiting for a new album, but likely entice some new fans in along the way.
There are a lot of great moments here, but one of the certain highlights is the new mix of ‘Are You Done With Me’ (from 2012’s We Are The Others). It has a new brightness to it that makes it poppier, but also much more emotive, with the vocals just sort of floating over the driving bass as the sparse guitar weaves in and out before joining the rhythm section for a bombastic, anthemic chorus that echoes the hurt of love scorned.
The ballad mix of We Are The Others’ namesake is an interesting listen as well. It’s far from my favourite track here but fans of the brooding romance of Evanescence will certainly enjoy it thoroughly. The live rendition of ‘Get The Devil Out Of Me’ is the highlight of the live tracks, featuring a totally pumped crowd and a huge, full sound that recreates the original surprisingly well.
The new tracks here are, of course, the focal point and they kick off the album. ‘Breathe On Me’ is up first and is arguably one of the best songs the band have ever offered. It’s got a nice, smooth, commercial feel that makes it accessible to everyone, and a melodic chorus that makes you want to sing along and bang your head at the same time. It epitomizes the genre really.
‘Collars And Suits’ is more aggressive and features growling guitars and pounding drum work. The vocals perfectly compliment the music, singing of lost hope and love scorned and successfully connecting with those that have felt this way before. It’s the quick bursts of symphony and the short, but effective, piano / vocal pieces that make it truly special though. They add just enough extra flavour to remind you that Delain still have a lot to offer.
The cover songs, ‘Such A Shame’ (Talk Talk), the acoustic-based ‘Cordell’ (The Cranberries), and ‘Smalltown Boy’ (Bronski Beat), barely rise above average really. On an album full of covers they may shine a little brighter, but here they come off as subpar to the other material. ‘Smalltown Boy’ is the best of them and is a lot more laid-back than most Delain tracks, so it offers a different look, particularly at Charlotte Wessell’s voice as she goes for something mildly bluesier. Personally, I would have loved additional mixes of earlier material as the new mixes here turned out so wonderful. To each his own though, right?
Interlude reminds me a lot of Lacuna Coil’s Unleashed Memories (2001) or Edguy’s Superheroes EP (2005) in spirit. Meant as a simple stopover, it becomes something much greater by allowing the band to shine in many different forms and only offering the very best of what the band has to offer. If you have never heard Delain then this is a great place to start. If you are already a fan then this is, quite simply, an essential purchase for you.
Mark Fisher
