Music of the Day, 29 November 2024
wasting away here on the ground
Yesterday my musical world was rocked. Listening to each song featured in
’s “Favorite Protest Songs” compilation was a fascinating ride through genres and topics. I was impressed—as I expected to be. But one band grabbed my attention and interest and didn’t let go.’s contribution was my introduction to Delain, a Dutch symphonic metal band featuring female lead singers. I’d brushed up against this genre years ago via Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Evanescence and enjoyed what I heard, but for whatever reason I didn’t actively pursue it. After listening to the protest song Charles selected, I was impatient to explore Delain’s music.I barely scratched the surface yesterday and will return for more. Today’s MotD is the song that stood out to me yesterday.
“The Quest and the Curse” is from Delain’s seventh studio album, Dark Waters, and was released last year. Like so many metal bands, Delain’s lineup seems to change fairly regularly. The band’s lineup on Dark Waters is: Ludovico Cioffi, bass and backing/harsh vocals; Ronald Landa, guitars and backing/harsh vocals; Diana Leah, lead vocals; Martijn Westerholt, keyboards and backing vocals; and Sander Zoer on drums. Additional musicians credited on this song are Rob van der Loo on bass, and Mikko P. Mustonen for orchestration.
“Quest and Curse” ticks all the boxes for me. Leah’s voice is lovely and rich; the music is great; and the harsh vocals add just the right edge. (Too much harsh vocals and I get distracted; they start to grate on my ears and I get concerned for the possible damage the vocalist is doing.)
Yesterday I listened to a Delain playlist that was an amalgam of the band’s various forms. I want to begin exploring their music more deliberately, focusing on each lead singer’s work. I suspect that another new favorite band may be developing.
You don't expect a metal song to be so beautiful, but those vocals by Leah are exquisite. First time I've heard this one.
I'm always discovering new bands in other countries from Charles, and his beginner's guide to metal is excellent (although I haven't made it all the way through yet!).
Delain, as Charles points out, is probably in Tier 2 . I think Nightwish is alone at Tier 1 as it all seems to revert to them, but your mileage may vary. If you want the visual experience, here is a link to their 2024 performance at Summer Breeze. The Arte Channel, if you haven't already discovered it, is an excellent source for concerts of all types of music. They're well produced, not just somebody with an iPhone recording from the back row which is what most YouTube concert videos seem to be. A great write up on your part. I always look forward to your posting.