Metal music is home to a beloved, traditional, unapologetic sound. One that’s given birth to a plethora of sub-genres across its evolution. From Progressive to Pirate Metal, unique juxtapositions and fusions have often further blended many of these sub-genres, tilting heads and peaking curiosity in the process, giving this once niche genre one of the widest sonic pallets in music. Among these sub-genres, the aptly named Symphonic Metal marries operatic and orchestral components to Metal’s roots, lending wild symphonic flourishes to its weighted grounding. Outfits such as Delain, Nightwish, Within Temptation and Epica, to name but a few, lead the movement as Symphonic Metal continues to flourish in 2019, sonically delivering something else entirely. Once again Delain are set to contribute to that rich tradition as February 22nd sees the Dutch symphonic veterans release ‘Hunter’s Moon‘, the third installment following on from 2016’s ‘Lunar EP’ and ‘Moonbathers’, rounding out the band’s ambitious trilogy. Yet, if it was a long and winding road to get here, with some spectacular views along on the way, this ending feels somewhat anticlimactic.
Even so, if ‘Hunter’s Moon’ serves as a glimpse into what the bands next full-length studio album might sound like, there may yet be some cause for excitement. Title track “Hunters Moon” shows Delain at their delightfully catchy and spellbinding best. Due in no small part to Charlotte Wessels, whose vocal delivery never fails to captivate and allure, there is no exception to be found here either.