DELAIN – video-interview with Martijn Westerholt" (in Dutch). 10 September 2021 . Retrieved 14 December 2022.

Titled Dark Waters, the upcoming album from the Dutch symphonic metal band is the follow-up to 2020’s Apocalypse & Chill, and is scheduled to be released in February next year, via Napalm Records. A CD titled Symphonic Dark Waters was released in August 2023, containing an acoustic version of "Mirror of Night", a piano version of "Hideaway Paradise", and the orchestral versions from the limited box edition's third disc. Delain announces new single 'Beneath' to be released this month". Arrow Lords of Metal . Retrieved 14 December 2022. They needn’t have worried; Dark Waters sees Delain rebuilt from the ashes. Last August, Martijn announced the return of original guitarist Ronald Landa and original drummer Sander Zoer, and unveiled Ludovico Cioffi and Diana Leah as his new bassist and singer respectively, ensuring they’d march forward with both familiarity and freshness. The Cold” is a personal favorite of mine. The song opens with an epic feel, building anticipation before making an immersing listening experience with its powerful and grand soundscape. The blend of orchestral elements and driving instrumentals are top notch and this song will be finding its way near the top of all my symphonic playlist.

Martijn Westerholt

On 15 February 2021, it was announced that Delain's lineup had split up, and that it would be continuing with a new lineup that Westerholt stated would continue to "keep Delain alive", which consists of new and previous members. [9] [10] DELAIN has started a thrilling new chapter and is ready to storm the globe again. After experiencing a lineup change in 2021, Martijn Westerholt (founder/main songwriter/keys) was rejoined by long-time members Ronald Landa (guitars) and Sander Zoer (drums). In early 2022, DELAIN was further strengthened by the addition of Diana Leah (vocals) and Ludovico Cioffi (bass) completing their dynamic lineup in time to record the band’s highly anticipated seventh studio album DARK WATERS which was released via Napalm Records on February 10, 2023. Offiziellecharts.de – Delain – Dark Waters" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 17 February 2023.

Dark Waters follows the chart-breaking Apocalypse & Chill (2020), integrating the most refined sounds in the genre. DELAIN’s renowned orchestral arrangements, highlighted by modern shadings, set new standards and manifest the five-piece on top of the scene. A sonic rollercoaster ride of catchy tunes with explosive elements - ranging from pop to film score-inspired to blistering metal - merge perfectly with Diana’s fantastic voice, showcasing her incredible talent and musical sophistication. If I had any other criticisms to level at this album, other than the handful of songs that don’t hit as hard as they could, it’d be that I would like a little more variety in terms of the pacing and tempo of the music. As I listen, I can’t help but think that the whole thing would benefit from greater dynamics and changes of pace all round. Mid-tempo is all very well, but sometimes, the listener needs to be offered something to jolt them from their comfort zone. And it happens a little too rarely on ‘Dark Waters’ for my tastes.Happily, it doesn’t change the formula up and simply sees Delain continue to push epic symphonic detail, rhythmic metal heaviness, and a killer chorus to the forefront. A solid closer to an album that will certainly see long-term Delain fans breathe a sigh of relief. The future is certainly looking bright for this band. A special mention must go to all musicians, the line-up rounded out by original members Sander Zoer on drums and Ronald Landa on guitars for stellar performances throughout. And that’s not all from the DELAIN camp! The band have announced a headlining European and UK tour for April and May next year.

The digisleeve and limited box editions feature a second disc, containing the instrumental versions of the first disc. Delain - 'Queen Of Shadow' Single And Video Premieres". Metal Storm. 9 February 2023 . Retrieved 9 February 2023. In February 2021, Westerholt announced the dissolution of DELAIN's previous lineup. At the time, he explained: "For the last year or so, the collaboration within the band ceased to work as well as it once had. Some of us were no longer happy with the current roles in the band. We all tried very hard to find a solution for over a year, but sadly we were unable to find one. As a result, we will all be going our own ways and pursuing our own endeavors. For a symphonic metal band, it might come as a surprise to announce that the follow-up, ‘The Quest And The Curse’ doesn’t quite live up to its predecessor. It is a more ‘standard’ orchestral-style symphonic metal song, complete with gruff vocals to counterpoint Leah’s soothing tones. And yet, as bombastic as it is, it doesn’t quite deliver, and that’s because the melodies don’t resonate quite as powerfully. Every performance is faultless, and many will love it. I, bizarrely, prefer the opener.Dark Waters” is Delain’s 7 th studio album, and “Hideaway Paradise” introduces us to the new era, allowing us our first listen to the clean, sweet vocals of Diana Leah and when combined with the musicianship and song writing on display. a b c Kennelty, Greg (29 November 2022). "Delain Streams "Beneath," Announces New Album Dark Waters". Metal Injection . Retrieved 14 December 2022. Songs like the soaring previously released standalone single, “The Quest and the Curse”, as well as “The Cold” (the latter featuring a real, epic choir), lure with a bombastic sound that skillfully combines orchestral melodies, epic heavy riffs and marvelous vocal performances. a b "Delain Announces New Singer, Shares 'The Quest And The Curse' Single". Blabbermouth.net. 9 August 2022 . Retrieved 14 December 2022.