Review Summary: Nothing on Lunar Prelude is going to surprise you. Symphonic metal with huge hooks is the order of the day.
If you’re into female-fronted symphonic metal with a mainstream angle, then you’re probably already familiar with Delain. Delain occupy a tiny little genre-niche by not being as bombastic and cheesy as Nightwish, nor as ‘symphonic’ as Within Temptation, but also not as overtly mainstream as Evanescence. So, where does that leave them? Truthfully, Delain are probably one of the top-tier artists of the symphonic metal genre. They’ve got a good-looking, talented vocalist, strong songwriting chops, just enough heavy riffs to fit in with the metal crowd, and an ability to not overuse the symphonic element – and that is exactly what you’ll find on their
Lunar Prelude EP.
The first two tracks are brand new and feature the two sides of Delain. Opening song, ‘Suckerpunch’, is just one huge melodic hook dominated by vocalist Charlotte Wessels while ‘Turn the Lights Out’ is a bit more symphonic and melancholic while still featuring another huge hook. The third song is listed as ‘Don’t Let Go (New Version)’ and was originally featured on
The Human Contradiction deluxe edition. As such, I haven’t heard the original, but this version is standard Delain.
Lunar Prelude is rounded out by a few well-played live tracks that don’t really add any value to the release. The live songs are not bad, but anybody with the studio versions will probably gravitate towards them. The final track is a symphonic version of ‘Suckerpunch’ and is really the only truly disposable song on the EP.
Really, this entire review could have been summed up in just one sentence. If you like Delain, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here, too. If you don’t like this band, there isn’t a single thing
Lunar Prelude can do to change your mind.
