Delain

Delain is a Dutch symphonic metal band from Zwolle, Netherlands. It forms in 2002 and is led by keyboard player Martijn Westerholt, who previously plays in Within Temptation and is the brother of that band’s co-founder Robert Westerholt. Westerholt leaves Within Temptation in 2001 after contracting Pfeiffer’s disease, then starts Delain the following year.

Style and formation

The band is associated with gothic metal, metal, power metal and symphonic metal, and is also described as an alternative, gothic and heavy metal act. Its early line-up grows around Westerholt’s project, and the group builds its sound with frequent guest appearances and changes in personnel over the years.

Early releases and albums

Delain first issues the demo Amenity in 2002. It signs to Roadrunner Records before recording its debut album, Lucidity, which begins in 2005 and appears in 2006. The album includes guest contributions from Jan Yrlund, Ariën van Weesenbeek, Ad Sluijter, George Oosthoek, Guus Eikens, Sharon Den Adel, Marco Hietala and Liv Kristine.

The band follows with April Rain in 2009, after plans for a second album shift several times. In 2012 it releases We Are the Others, led by the singles “Get the Devil Out of Me” and “We Are the Others”. The album comes out through CNR Music after Roadrunner is taken over by Warner Music.

In 2013 Delain issues Interlude, a special release containing new songs, covers, live tracks, alternate versions of earlier material and a bonus DVD. The Human Contradiction follows in 2014, with “Stardust” among its singles. Later studio albums include Moonbathers in 2016, Apocalypse & Chill in 2020 and Dark Waters in 2023. The band also releases the live album A Decade of Delain: Live at Paradiso in 2017.

Line-up changes

Delain’s membership changes repeatedly. Rob van der Loo leaves in 2010 and is replaced by Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije. Guitarist Ewout Pieters departs in 2010 and Timo Somers joins in 2011. Drummer Sander Zoer steps down in 2014, with Ruben Israël taking over after initially filling in. Merel Bechtold joins as a second guitarist for a UK tour in 2014. Joey de Boer later serves as temporary drummer.

In 2021 Charlotte Wessels, Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije, Timo Somers and Joey de Boer leave the band. In 2022 Delain introduces new material with “The Quest and the Curse” and reveals Diana Leah as vocalist, alongside Ludovico Cioffi on bass and backing vocals. Current members listed for the group include Martijn Westerholt, Diana Leah, Ronald Landa, Ludovico Cioffi and Sander Zoer.

Live activity

Delain headlines the Dames of Darkness Festival in Wolverhampton and has also headlined the event in 2009 under the name Femme Metal Festival. It also tours with Sabaton and Battle Beast, and supports Nightwish on a North American run with Sabaton.