CD REVIEW: DELAIN – Lunar Prelude

Label: Napalm Records

Release Date: February 19, 2016

Rating: 8/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

It’s no secret that I like symphonic metal.  Who am I kidding, if it is done right, I love my symphonic metal.  Delain is one of those bands that is always on one of my playlists.  The latest release, an 8-track EP features some great songs, but unfortunately only two new songs.  “Suckerpunch” opens the collection with a different sound and feel than other songs in the bands catalog, but the electronic sound of the opening gives the band another sound to utilize in their mix.  This is a catchy track that builds in sound and envelopes the different tone of the opening with the symphonic sound the band does well.  “Turn The Lights Out” shifts to a more melancholic ballad-like mood.  The vocals soar in the mix and the tribal rhythms in the verse add punch to the tracks delivery.  The chorus is sweeping and draws you in, thanks to the beautiful vocals.  “Don’t Let Go” from the bands Human Contradiction release gets a facelift and shines on this collection.  The tones of the songs emotionally charged delivery blend well with the two new songs.  There are four live tracks thrown in for good measure.  “Lullaby,” “Stardust,” “Here Come The Vultures,” and “Army Of Dolls” all sound great, but don’t have a live feel to them, other than the audience sounds in the beginning and ending of each track.  The blend of instruments sounds more like a live studio recording and seems less produced.  The final track is an orchestral version of the opening track, dubbed “Suckerpunch Orchestra.”  This track, while not what one might expect from the band, demonstrates the beauty of one of the bands songs stripped down and played symphonically without the benefit of searing guitars, a heavy bottom end, and soaring vocals.

​Tracklisting: Suckerpunch – Turn The Lights Out – Don’t Let Go – Lullaby – Stardust – Here Come The Vultures – Army Of Dolls – Suckerpunch Orchestra

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Category: CD Reviews