Ah, here's another band I happen to know from their demo days. It's always good to see a band progress day by day and I can say that Delphian deserve the attention of the audience for many reasons.
Delphian was formed in early 2000 by Coert Bouten and Roel Van Helden. In the next three following years several musicians came and left from the band (the typical procedure, hahaha) and finally a demo was recorded in 2003. I recall this demo not only because of its good music but also because of its very good (professional level) sound.
Some of you might take a wry face expression once you see me use the sentence a Metal band with female vocals and I don't blame you. The last 4-5 years the market has been flooded by such average (not to say bad) bands that have a frontwoman just for the sake of having one. Fortunately that's not the case for Delphian, for several reasons. First of all Aniek Janssen has a warm melodic voice; no she's not just another pretty face and she will bring in mind Anneke of The Gathering at first listening.
But what is more important is that Delphian has a personal sound. No atmospheric Metal here, haha! Delphian is closer to a term such as dark, technical, progressive Metal. Yes they sound dark enough, not atmospheric, and quite heavy whenever they tune the guitars down. At times they also brought in mind the majestic Soul Cages (do you remember this amazing band?).
The production is once again at a high level but they could had chosen a more appropriate front cover. All in all Oracle is a great debut by a very interesting band. Fans of technical music must check it out immediately!
- Album Highlights: My Confession, Never Willing, Still Fulfilling and Salvation.