MUSIC REVIEW: DELAIN – Hunter’s Moon

Label: Napalm Records

Release Date: February 22, 2019

Rating: 82%

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Delain is one of my first symphonic metal loves, alongside Within Temptation, Nightwish, and ReVamp.  Delain has released the second straight live album, but added four new tracks to the mix by kicking off the latest with new material to whet the appetite of their collective fan base while they ready a new disc.  For all intent, I will review this disc as an EP of new material, as live discs are great snapshots of a specific tour, lineup, or show – but not always indicative of a bands current sound and direction.  Opener and lead track “Masters Of Destiny” is an orchestral masterpiece that showcases Charlottew Wessels vocals and the strength of the band when paired up against a symphonic wall of sound.  If this track is any indicator of the next release, I cannot wait to get my hands on more songs like this one.  Title track “Hunter’s Moon” leans more on the band as a unit behind Wessels in the mix.  There are symphonic components of the track but the dual guitars of Timo Somers and Merel Bechtold swirled in the mix with the keyboards of Martjin Westerholt create the perfect backdrop for the track and vocals.  “The Silence Is Mine” is a heavier track that blends a mild symphonic sound with a heavy metal guitar sound that takes this collection and the new material into new territory for the band.  This track was composed by guitarist Somers.  On this track, as well as the other new songs, the rhythm section of drummer Joey Marin de Boer and bassist Joey Marin provide a solid foundation for the music.  Final new track “Art Kills” was composed by the other guitarist Bechtold and in addition to staying true to the classic Delain sound, while lending itself to a more guitar driven vibe, the song gives Charlotte room to run vocally, especially when paired up with a heavy growl on the bridge between verses and choruses.  Be sure to check out the live tracks as they are a cool blend of old and new from the bands catalog as played and interpreted by the current lineup.

Tracklisting: Masters Of Destiny – Hunter’s Moon – This Silence Is Mine – Art Kills – Hands Of Gold (Live) – Danse Macabre (Live)- Scarlet (Live) – Your Body Is A Battleground (Live) – Nothing Left (Live) – Control The Storm (Live) – Sing To Me (Live) – Not Enough (Live) – Scandal (Live) – The Gathering (Live)

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HUNTER’S MOON – ITUNES

Category: CD Reviews