Delain

Delain was founded in 2002 by Martijn Westerholt following his departure from Within Temptation. Originally conceived as a studio project, the band evolved into a premier touring act within the symphonic metal scene.

Their sound identity is defined by Westerholt's keyboard-driven compositions, which prioritize melodic accessibility and 'pop' song structures over the more complex, avant-garde tendencies of the genre. The band's history is marked by significant lineup shifts, most notably the long tenure of vocalist Charlotte Wessels (2005-2021) and the 2022 introduction of Diana Leah. Their debut, 'Lucidity', established a collaborative blueprint featuring metal royalty like Marco Hietala and Sharon den Adel. Critically, they are viewed as the 'bridge' band of symphonic metal, successfully merging the gothic aesthetic of the early 2000s with the high-gloss production of modern alternative metal. They occupy a central position in the Dutch metal scene, influencing a wave of melodic female-fronted acts by proving that symphonic music could be both heavy and commercially viable.