April Rain

Released in March 2009 by Roadrunner Records, April Rain is the second studio album by Dutch symphonic metal band Delain. Following their guest-heavy debut, this record solidified Delain as a cohesive, touring band unit, showcasing a more unified and streamlined sonic direction. The album was written primarily by keyboardist Martijn Westerholt and vocalist Charlotte Wessels, establishing the signature songwriting partnership that would define the band's most successful era.

Sonically, the album represents a bridge between the gothic-influenced symphonic metal of the early 2000s and the more accessible, modern alternative metal of the 2010s. The production is clean, polished, and highly layered, emphasizing the interplay between Westerholt's lush keyboard arrangements and heavy, rhythmic guitar work. The album features notable guest contributions, including vocals from Marco Hietala on 'Control the Storm' and 'Nothing Left', adding a rugged contrast to Wessels' pristine soprano. April Rain remains a landmark release in Delain's discography, defining their pop-metal crossover appeal.