We Metalheads think of the Netherlands and we think of excellent Symphonic music. Standing alongside EPICA and WITHIN TEMPTATION are contemporary Symphonic Metallers DELAIN, who have continued to exponentially grow, musically and in popularity, ever since their reformation into a touring band. Even when compared to their previous works, the album comes out on top in both maturity and heaviness, topping even their magnificent "April Rain".

"Here Come the Vultures" is a gloriously Gothic track, similar both in vibe and arrangement to KAMELOT's rich and dark "Poetry for the Poisoned". Charlotte's voice is ever the perfect contradiction between classical and jazz and oozes liquid charisma through the aloof keyboard arrangements and churning riffs. "Stardust" once again capitalizes on her vocal capability and ability to deliver catchy hooks in tandem with technical vocal melodies. As a whole, it was one of the best tracks on the album; a very hard title to give out in this case. The keyboard layering of Martijn, coming into his own as a compositional mastermind up there with Edu Falaschi and Thomas Youngblood, shines through in this track, blending haunting atmospherics with an upbeat vibe.

"Tell Me, Mechanist" is definitely one of the heavier tracks on the release with more aggressive riffs and blistering coarse vocal passages. The track alternates between these realms of epic, pained emotion and their trademark, soaring Symphonic passages. "Tragedy of the Commons" is the final track on this record and stood out to me on both a personal and musical level. Not only is it a superb combination of lyrical poetry and musical maturity, but it also contains both coarse and clean vocal performances by Alissa of THE AGONIST; unexpected, but most definitely welcomed. It is hard to describe this track without only using the word 'epic'.

Already this year I have experienced new releases from two of metal's biggest names - BEHEMOTH and ICED EARTH - but to hear something new from DELAIN, a creation this enthralling, gives me great hope (and high standards!) for the rest of the year.