Delain – Lunar Prelude (2016)

As Delain continues their world domination with their relentless touring schedule, today we are lucky to have their latest EP titled “Lunar Prelude”. Providing some insights into the band’s future full-length release, this EP gives us two new tracks, one new version of an older song, four live takes and an orchestral piece. As bombastic as any of their previous releases, this album will captivate all fans and entertained until their next release.

Opening with the bombastic “Suckerpunch”, this is the quintessential Delain track with lush keyboards, brilliant solid arrangements and very catchy melodic sections. Charlotte’s vocals have come a long way since the band’s debut “Lucidity” and sound very firm and yet as sweet as ever. After such an explosive opener, “Turn the Lights Out” opens more in a mellow mood that is nicely elevated thanks to super catchy arrangements and strong guitar work. The band recently added Merel Bechtold into their ranks as second guitarist as well as new drummer Ruben Israël further strengthening their musical core.

The re-vamped version of “Don’t Let Go”, makes the band sound a bit futuristic thanks to an electronic edge, allowing this track to be catchier and more upbeat. If you never seen Delain live, the versions of “Lullaby”, “Stardust”, “Here Come The Vultures” and “Army of Dolls”, should make you want to catch them on their upcoming 2016 tour with Nightwish and Sonata Arctica. The band’s live attitude and energy is contagious and very well captured be these four excellent tracks.

Closing with the orchestral version of ‘Suckerpunch”, something that is quite nice for super fans, Delain has managed to spark even more interest on their upcoming full-length release. The band gives us a nice peek into the future with the two brand new songs and they also bring some of their live magic into the listeners’ houses. If you are a fan of the band or just a fan of symphonic/melodic Metal, this is a no-brainer purchase.

Label: Napalm Records

Release: February 19th, 2016

Genre: Symphonic/Melodic Metal

Country: Netherlands