Label: Napalm Records

Release Date: August 26, 2016

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: Todd "Toddstar" Jolicoeur

Symphonic metallers Delain are at it again and they have released one of their best to date with Moonbathers.  The disc kicks off solidly with "Hands Of Gold" which features the signature sound of Charlotte Wessels on lead vocals, killer symphonic arrangements from the guitars and rhythm section, and a monster special appearance from Alissa White-Gluz.  This song sets the bar and pace for the rest of the collection.  "The Glory And The Scum" opens with cool riffs and a solid bottom end that seems to grow in intensity as the song moves along.  The bass line from Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije drones perfectly under the song and gives the track added punch, especially through the verse and bridge.  "The Hurricane" is a beautiful ballad that Wessels adds depth to with her beautiful vocals and delivery of the emotionally charged lyrics.  The guitar work is perfect for the song and creates a cool groove throughout the song.  "Fire With Fire" is a textbook Delain track that hits all the marks sonically, with a killer cadence that drives the song and gets the head banging.  This song was meant for live performance and should get any crowd whipped into a frenzy in no time thanks to great riffs, heavy bottom end, and a tempo that is built for speed.  "Danse Macabre" unfolds slowly, but thanks to Charlotte's vocals, the song quickly grows in feel and intensity.  The guitar work of Timo Somers and Merel Bechtold shine on this track behind the vocals and keyboards, giving the track a solid vibe.  "Turn The Lights Out" is a cool song that opens in a more orchestral vein than others on the disc, but it fits the lyrics and confines of the disc.  Once the drums kick in with the rest of the band not far behind, this becomes a cool Delain rock track that is fun to groove to.

"Suckerpunch" has a different sound to it from the opening through the verse.  The keyboard sound is lighter and more mainstream than most songs in the bands catalog, but it works, especially once the song kicks in full-throttle at the chorus.  "Chrysalis / The Last Breath" opens with a hauntingly beautiful piano / vocal duet that is soon morphed with a cool symphonic groove.  The crescendo after the bridge that accentuates the second half of the track is cool and gives this song added dimension.  "Pendulum" brings more bottom end to the table with a pounding bass line that is woven between killer riffs and solos while Ruben Israel's drums keep perfect time underneath the rest of the band.  Toss in the keyboard prowess of Martijn Westerholt and this song is one of the best on the disc.  "Scandal" is a killer track that marries the cool modern sound of Delain with the classic rock of Queen, when they cover (with Brian May's blessing) this great track from 1989's The Miracle.  This version is definitely Delain doing what they do best while giving the song its due respect.  Charlotte shines on this track, giving the song a different feel than the original.  Disc closer "The Monarch" is another track that benefits from a cool piano intro that slowly morphs into a killer track when the symphonic feel slowly weaves itself into the track.  This song is a cool way to let the band shine, with little vocal contribution from Wessels.

​​​Tracklisting: Hands Of Gold - The Glory And The Scum - Suckerpunch - The Hurricane - Chrysalis / The Last Breath - Fire With Fire - Pendulum - Danse Macabre - Scandal - Turn The Lights Out - The Monarch

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