Delain
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | Martijn Westerholt |
| Headquarters | Netherlands |
| Products | Symphonic metal music, studio albums, EPs, live albums, music videos |
Delain is a symphonic metal ensemble from the Netherlands, established in 2002 by keyboardist Martijn Westerholt. After his departure from Within Temptation in 2001, Westerholt initially developed Delain as a project that was briefly halted following a single demo. The project was revived in 2005 with vocalist Charlotte Wessels, culminating in the release of their debut album, Lucidity, in September 2006. The album's favorable reception paved the way for live shows and touring activities.
After issuing their sixth studio record, Apocalypse & Chill in February 2020, the original members disbanded in 2021, leaving Westerholt to continue Delain as a solo endeavor. A refreshed lineup, combining former and new musicians, was unveiled in June 2021, with Diana Leah appointed as lead singer in August 2022. This reassembled formation delivered their seventh studio album, Dark Waters, in February 2023.
By 2025, Delain’s discography includes seven studio albums, three extended plays, one live album, and nineteen music videos.
2002–2010: Formation, Lucidity and April Rain
Following his exit from Within Temptation due to Pfeiffer's disease, Westerholt founded Delain in 2002. The band's name is inspired by the "Kingdom of Delain" featured in Stephen King's novel The Eyes of the Dragon. That same year, they independently issued the demo Amenity. Although the project was temporarily shelved afterward, Westerholt continued composing new material.
In 2005, Westerholt joined forces with Charlotte Wessels and secured a deal with Roadrunner Records. Originally intended as a studio project with guest contributors rather than a traditional touring band, Lucidity showcased collaborations with prominent artists like Marko Hietala, Liv Kristine, and Sharon den Adel. Released after some postponements in September 2006, the album garnered positive critical feedback and spawned singles such as "Frozen", "See Me in Shadow", and "The Gathering". This success facilitated touring opportunities throughout the Netherlands and neighboring countries. To support live performances, Rob van der Loo (bass), Ronald Landa (guitar), and Sander Zoer (drums) joined as permanent members.
Work on their sophomore album commenced by late 2007. New compositions "Stay Forever" and "Start Swimming" were introduced during early 2008 concerts. Their second studio effort, April Rain, arrived on 9 February 2009 featuring singles "April Rain" and "Stay Forever". Following its release, extensive touring ensued, expanding into territories including the United States and Mexico and performing at major European festivals like Hellfest and Wacken Open Air. In February 2010, preparations for the third album began; bassist Rob van der Loo left due to scheduling conflicts and was succeeded by Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije in March. Guitarist Ewout Pieters departed on 4 October 2010, with Timo Somers announced as his replacement on 17 April 2011.
2011–2013: Release of We Are the Others
During live performances in 2011, Delain premiered three tracks — originally titled "Manson" (later renamed "Mother Machine"), "Get the Devil Out of Me", and "Milk and Honey" — which would appear on their third album, We Are the Others.
Vocalist Wessels revealed that the album’s title track drew inspiration from the Sophie Lancaster case, focusing on themes of acceptance and embracing individuality. Although initially slated for an early 2012 release, the album’s launch was postponed due to Warner Music’s acquisition of Roadrunner Records. Ultimately, it was released on 1 June 2012 through CNR Music, preceded by the lead single "Get the Devil Out of Me" on 13 April 2012. The follow-up single was "We Are the Others."
On 1 May 2013, Delain issued Interlude, a collection comprising new songs, cover versions, live recordings, alternative takes, along with a bonus DVD.
2014–2020: From The Human Contradiction to Apocalypse & Chill
On 23 January 2014, Delain revealed their album The Human Contradiction, which was subsequently released on 5 April 2014 across Europe and on 8 April in North America.
Drummer Sander Zoer departed the group on 4 June 2014 due to personal matters but continued to contribute offstage. He was succeeded by Ruben Israel.[1]
In November 2014, Merel Bechtold joined as a second guitarist for their UK tour. Bassist Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije experienced a stage-related injury on 26 November 2014 but was back on tour by January 2015. Additionally, Bechtold temporarily covered for guitarist Timo Somers until February due to his conflicting schedule.
During the first half of 2015, Delain toured North America supporting Nightwish alongside Sabaton and Battle Beast, followed by a return to Latin America in October. They again supported Nightwish during the second North American leg of the tour in 2016 with Sonata Arctica, marking four consecutive years of touring across the US and Canada.[2]
Merel Bechtold was officially made a permanent band member on 19 October 2015.[3]
On 19 February 2016, Delain released the eight-track EP Lunar Prelude, preceded by the lead single "Suckerpunch" on 5 February.[4][5]
Their album Moonbathers, which included ten original tracks along with a cover of "Queen," was launched on 26 August 2016.[6]
The band's inaugural live video album, A Decade of Delain: Live at Paradiso, was recorded during their tenth anniversary concert at Paradiso, Amsterdam on 10 December 2016 and was released on 27 October 2017.[7]
After substituting for Ruben Israel, who left in October 2017, Joey de Boer became an official member on 30 August 2018.[8][9]
The EP Hunter's Moon was announced on 13 December 2018 and released on 22 February 2019.[10] Its lead single, "Masters of Destiny," debuted with an accompanying music video on 11 January.[11]
Merel Bechtold amicably departed from Delain on 16 June 2019 to explore other musical ventures; her last show took place at Graspop Metal Meeting on 23 June.[12]
On their North American tour, Delain premiered "Burning Bridges," the first single from their forthcoming album, releasing it officially on 27 September 2019.[13] The follow-up single "One Second" was issued on 15 November.[14]
Their sixth studio album, titled Apocalypse & Chill, was announced on 29 November and released on the following year’s February 7.[15]
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Delain took part in the benefit livestream event Together at Home, having been nominated by Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz. Lead vocalist Charlotte Wessels and guitarist Timo Somers performed acoustic renditions and concluded the concert.[16]
2021–present: Lineup transitions, Dark Waters release, and forthcoming eighth album
On 15 February 2021, Delain's lineup officially disbanded, with founder Martijn Westerholt declaring the continuation of Delain as a solo venture centered on songwriting and production featuring guest artists. Westerholt reassured fans that the band's essence would remain intact, highlighting the return of numerous familiar contributors. Meanwhile, vocalist Charlotte Wessels embarked on a solo path, extending her best wishes to both the band and its audience.
By 9 June 2021, Westerholt confirmed that Delain would persist as a live act incorporating both new and returning members while preserving the fundamental sound. Drummer Sander Zoer rejoined the group on 28 June 2021, followed by the return of original guitarist Ronald Landa in July. In February 2022, former bassist Rob van der Loo was announced as a guest musician, with Ludovico Cioffi stepping in as the new bassist by May.
Delain resumed touring activities in November 2022, unveiling new lead singer Diana Leah alongside the August 2022 release of the single "The Quest and the Curse." Their inaugural performance featuring this lineup occurred at Switzerland’s Riverside festival. The follow-up single "Beneath" arrived in November 2022 concurrent with the announcement of their seventh studio album, Dark Waters, which was released on 10 February 2023. January 2023 saw the release of a third single, "Moth to a Flame."
To promote Dark Waters, Delain embarked on a European tour in spring 2023 alongside Xandria and Illumishade, followed by a North American tour in September with Visions of Atlantis. On 5 September 2024, they introduced the single "Dance with the Devil" along with news of an accompanying EP titled Dance with the Devil, which was released on 8 November 2024. Additional singles from this EP included a live rendition of "Moth to a Flame" and the track "The Reaping."
During November 2024, coinciding with the EP launch, Delain toured across the UK and Ireland and scheduled a North American tour for March 2025 featuring Xandria and Edge of Paradise. After performing two shows in Amstelveen and Enschede in October 2025, the band took a one-year hiatus from touring to concentrate on writing material for their eighth studio album.
Current
- Martijn Westerholt – keyboards (2002, 2005–present)
- Sander Zoer – drums (2006–2014, 2021–present)
- Ronald Landa – guitars, backing vocals, harsh vocals (2006–2009, 2021–present; live 2013–2014)
- Ludovico Cioffi – bass, backing vocals, harsh vocals (2022–present)
- Diana Leah – lead vocals (2022–present)
Session and live
- Marko Hietala – bass (2006), co-lead vocals (2006, 2009, 2014–2018, 2023)
- Rosan van der Aa – backing vocals (2006)
- George Oosthoek – harsh vocals (2006, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2016–2020)
- Ad Sluijter – guitars (2006)
- Jan "Örkki" Yrlund – guitars (2006)
- Guus Eikens – guitars, backing vocals (2006, 2009, 2012, 2014)
- Ariën van Weesenbeek – drums (2006)
- Roel Vink – bass (2009)
- Bas Maas – guitars (2012)
- Alissa White-Gluz – harsh vocals (2014, 2016)
- Jan Rechberger – drums (2019)
- Paolo Ribaldini – co-lead vocals (2022–2025)
- Michele Guaitoli – co-lead vocals (2023)
Former Members
- Anne Invernizzi – lead vocals (2002)
- Roy van Enkhuyzen – guitars (2002)
- Frank van der Meijden – guitars (2002)
- Martijn Willemsen – bass (2002)
- Tim Kuper – drums (2002)
- Ray van Lente – guitars (2006–2007)
- Rob van der Loo – bass (2006–2010; session and live performances 2022, 2025)
- Ewout Pieters – guitars, backing vocals (2009–2010)
- Ruben Israel – drums (2014–2017; live in 2013)
- Merel Bechtold – rhythm guitar (2015–2019; live from 2013 to 2015)
- Charlotte Wessels – lead vocals (2005–2021)
- Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije – bass, harsh vocals (2010–2021)
- Timo Somers – lead guitar, backing vocals (2011–2021)
- Joey de Boer – drums (2018–2021; live 2017–2018)
Studio Albums
| Title | Album details | Highest Chart Positions | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLD | GER | SWI | UK | BEL (WA) | BEL (FL) | FRA | JPN | ||
| Lucidity |
|
43 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| April Rain |
|
14 | 96 | 91 | 192 | — | — | 88 | 127 |
| We Are the Others |
|
4 | 77 | 43 | 75 | 99 | 82 | 118 | 221 |
| The Human Contradiction |
|
25 | 40 | 24 | 44 | 90 | 65 | 106 | 185 |
| Moonbathers |
|
15 | 17 | 18 | 50 | 37 | 23 | 93 | 128 |
| Apocalypse & Chill |
|
24 | 14 | 8 | — | 59 | 45 | — | — |
| Dark Waters |
|
35 | 9 | 10 | — | 177 | 57 | — | — |
| "—" indicates the album did not chart or was not released in that region. | |||||||||
Live Albums
| Title | Live album details | Peak Chart Positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLD | BEL (WA) | BEL (FL) | GER | ||
| A Decade of Delain: Live at Paradiso |
|
78 | 123 | 107 | 64 |
Compilations
| Title | Compilation information | Highest chart rankings | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLD | GER | BEL (WA) | BEL (FL) | ||
| Interlude |
|
37 | 91 | 124 | 141 |
EPs
| Title | EP information | Highest chart rankings | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLD | GER | SWI | BEL (WA) | BEL (FL) | ||||||
| Lunar Prelude |
|
— | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Hunter's Moon |
|
54 | 24 | 24 | 102 | 109 | ||||
| Dance with the Devil |
|
— | — | — | — | — | ||||
| The symbol "—" indicates the release did not chart or was unavailable in that market. | ||||||||||
Singles
2015 rowspan=3 |2016 rowspan=3 |2019 2020 rowspan=2 |2022 rowspan=2 |2023 rowspan=3 |2024 colspan="4" style="font-size:90%" | The symbol "—" signifies a release that either did not enter charts or was not issued in that region.| Year | Title | Highest chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLD | |||
| 2007 | "Frozen" | 36 | Lucidity |
| "See Me in Shadow" | 46 | ||
| "Shattered" | — | ||
| 2008 | "The Gathering" | — | |
| 2009 | "Stay Forever" | — | April Rain |
| "April Rain" | — | ||
| "Smalltown Boy" | — | Interlude | |
| 2010 | "Nothing Left" | — | April Rain |
| 2012 | "Get the Devil Out of Me" | — | We Are the Others |
| "We Are the Others" | — | ||
| 2013 | "Are You Done with Me" | — | Interlude |
| 2014 | "Your Body Is a Battleground" | — | The Human Contradiction |
| "Stardust" | — | ||
| "Sing to Me" | — | ||
| "Suckerpunch" | — | 'Lunar Prelude' | |
| "The Glory and the Scum" | — | 'Moonbathers' | |
| "Fire with Fire" | — | 'Moonbathers' | |
| "Masters of Destiny" | — | 'Hunter's Moon' | |
| "Burning Bridges" | — | 'Apocalypse & Chill' | |
| "One Second" | — | 'Apocalypse & Chill' | |
| "Ghost House Heart" | — | ||
| "The Quest and the Curse" | — | 'Dark Waters' | |
| "Beneath" | — | 'Dark Waters' | |
| "Moth to a Flame" | — | 'Dark Waters' | |
| "Queen of Shadow" | — | 'Dark Waters' | |
| "Dance with the Devil" | — | 'Dance with the Devil' | |
| "Moth to a Flame" (live) | — | 'Dance with the Devil' | |
| "The Reaping" | — | 'Dance with the Devil' |
Music videos
- Frozen (2007)
- See Me in Shadow (2007)
- The Gathering (2008)
- Stay Forever (2009)
- April Rain (2009)
- Get the Devil Out of Me (2012)
- We Are the Others (2012)
- Are You Done with Me (2013)
- Stardust (2014)
- Suckerpunch (2016)
- Fire with Fire (live video; 2016)
- Masters of Destiny (2019)
- Burning Bridges (2019)
- Ghost House Heart (2020)
- The Quest and the Curse (2022)
- Beneath (2022)
- Moth to a Flame (2023)
- Queen of Shadow (2023)
- Dance with the Devil (2024)
- The Reaping (2024)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Entry | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | MTV Europe Music Awards | New Sounds of Europe | Best New Band | Nominee |
| TMF Awards (Belgium) | Best Rock | Best New Band | Nominee |
External links
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- Articles with short description
- 2002 establishments in the Netherlands
- Dutch musical quintets
- Dutch symphonic metal musical groups
- Female-fronted musical groups
- Musical groups established in 2002
- Musical groups disestablished in 2002
- Musical groups reestablished in 2005
- Napalm Records artists
- Mixed-gender musical quintets
- Delain
- Pages with script errors