Released 10 years ago
Moonbathers
Delain · 2016
72 min · 17 tracks · symphonic metal
Melodic symphonic metal intertwines with dark lyrical themes, creating an immersive landscape of power and emotion.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hands of Gold — This opening track introduces the album's rich orchestration and powerful vocals, setting an epic tone that resonates throughout the record.
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The Glory and the Scum — With its contrasting lyrical themes of triumph and tragedy, this track encapsulates the album's emotional depth while showcasing Delain's signature sound.
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Chrysalis - The Last Breath — This song features intricate arrangements and haunting melodies that exemplify the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with poignant lyrical storytelling.
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Fire With Fire — A standout for its energetic rhythm and catchy chorus, this track exemplifies the band's knack for crafting memorable hooks without sacrificing their heavier roots.
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 dynamic songwriting but is somewhat diluted by the inclusion of live tracks.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving rhythms and orchestral arrangements, while the second half shifts to more atmospheric and introspective pieces.
- Several tracks incorporate choral elements, enhancing the symphonic quality and creating a layered sound that supports the lead vocals.
- The album includes both studio tracks and live recordings, with the live versions providing a different energy and interaction with the audience.
- 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
Known within its scene. 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
- ethereal melodies for introspection
- steady pacing for focused listening
- emotive vocals for cathartic release
- peaks and valleys of emotion
- immersive orchestration for deep engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a refined sound and ambitious orchestration in Delain's catalog.
- Career context
- Released on August 26, 2016, 'Moonbathers' marked Delain's fifth studio album and a transition after the departure of founding member and guitarist Merel Bechtold. The band sought to refine their sound by integrating orchestral elements while maintaining their signature symphonic metal style, showcasing their evolving artistry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nightwish· Epica· Within Temptation
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Hands of Gold 5:09
- 2 The Glory and the Scum 4:03
- 3 Suckerpunch 4:09
- 4 The Hurricane 3:44
- 5 Chrysalis - The Last Breath 5:25
- 6 Fire With Fire 4:09
- 7 Pendulum 3:41
- 8 Danse Macabre 5:07
- 9 Scandal 4:03
- 10 Turn the Lights Out 4:15
- 11 The Monarch 3:39
Disc 2
- 1 Suckerpunch (live in the Netherlands) 4:22
- 2 Turn the Lights Out (live in the Netherlands) 4:42
- 3 The Glory and the Scum (live in the Netherlands) 4:23
- 4 Don't Let Go (live in the Netherlands) 4:18
- 5 The Glory and the Scum (Orchestra) 2:40
- 6 Hands of Gold (Orchestra) 4:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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