Dark Waters
Delain · 2023
98 min · 21 tracks · symphonic metal
A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements and powerful vocals, weaving dark narratives into a symphonic metal landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hideaway Paradise — This opening track sets the tone with its soaring melodies and evocative lyrics that explore themes of escapism and longing. It encapsulates the album's lush sonic palette beautifully.
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The Quest and the Curse — The title track stands out with its intricate composition and dynamic shifts, representing the album's overarching narrative of struggle and resilience. Its blend of heavy riffs and orchestral elements showcases Delain's signature style.
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Invictus — As one of the most powerful tracks, 'Invictus' features anthemic choruses and poignant lyricism about overcoming adversity. Its emotional weight resonates deeply within the context of the album's themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong orchestration and vocal interplay but struggles with cohesion due to its length and bonus tracks.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build intensity with orchestral arrangements and layered vocals, while the second half shifts to more subdued, atmospheric pieces.
- Several tracks incorporate a call-and-response dynamic between the lead vocals and backing harmonies, enhancing the dramatic effect of the narratives.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady progression with resolution
- lush orchestration for deep immersion
- haunting melodies for reflective moments
- two-halves listening experience
- cathartic release through instrumentals
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, standalone tracks
- prefer upbeat, high-energy sessions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Significant return to form after reunion, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- Released on February 10, 2023, 'Dark Waters' is Delain's first album after reuniting with vocalist Diana Leah. This marks a significant step in their evolution as they aim to reclaim their place in the symphonic metal scene following a hiatus since 2021.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nightwish· Epica· Within Temptation
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Hideaway Paradise 5:18
- 2 The Quest and the Curse 4:56
- 3 Beneath 4:59
- 4 Mirror of Night 4:37
- 5 Tainted Hearts 4:41
- 6 The Cold 4:37
- 7 Moth to a Flame 4:07
- 8 Queen of Shadow 4:02
- 9 Invictus 5:30
- 10 Underland 5:13
- 11 The Quest and the Curse (piano version) 3:26
Disc 2
- 1 Hideaway Paradise (instrumental) 5:17
- 2 The Quest and the Curse (instrumental) 4:57
- 3 Beneath (instrumental) 4:42
- 4 Mirror of Night (instrumental) 4:34
- 5 Tainted Hearts (instrumental) 4:41
- 6 The Cold (instrumental) 4:36
- 7 Moth to a Flame (instrumental) 3:46
- 8 Queen of Shadow (instrumental) 4:02
- 9 Invictus (instrumental) 5:30
- 10 Underland (instrumental) 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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