Page 53 - Black Velvet Issue 91

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DELAIN / EVERGREY / KOBRA AND THE LOTUS – BIRMINGHAM O2 INSTITUTE 2, 08.11.16
Delain are back in the UK the year that their debut album ‘Lucidity’ prise that ‘Stardust’ is next on the agenda, sounding exceptionally shim-
reaches ten years old. With new album ‘Moonbathers’ having just been mering. Delain really have something for everyone – they have sing-along
released, it’s a celebratory tour all round for the band, and Birmingham is rock elements as well as heavier symphonic metal components, often in-
the first night of the tour, following a set of mainland Europe shows. Kobra tertwining. ‘Get The Devil Out Of Me’ continues the liveliness and even
And The Lotus, from Canada, are the first band on stage. Fronted by metal sees the members bounce up and down at one point. Bassist Otto Schim-
siren Kobra Paige, the band are so loud you wonder if they’re over the melpenninck breaks out the growls in ‘Pendulum’, while ‘The Hurricane’
noise limit! Kobra has a very powerful and striking voice, while songs such is a body of grace and elegance. We’re happy to hear our favourite song
as ‘Hold On’ and new track ‘TriggerPulse’ bear a traditional heavy metal from the new album, the captivating and inspiring ‘Fire With Fire’. Guitarist
sound. ’50 Shades Of Evil’ sees the band turn the power up to the max Merel Bechtold is looking more and more confident on stage with the band
as the frantic drum beat and guitar riff gallop like a horse on steroids. while Timo Somers frequently sticks his tongue out to the crowd while
Opening with ‘Passing Through’, Evergrey are a little less heavy metal playing his guitar. ‘Danse Macabre’ is another excellent new song that
and a little more hard rock. Their songs still have clout, but their added also belongs in the set and goes down well. We always feel a bit sorry for
melody is enticing. They also incorporate keyboards to give a progressive founding member Martijn Westerholt being at the back on the keys, as he
sound. Before ‘In Orbit’ we’re told that Floor Jansen of Nightwish who deserves more of the spotlight. He’s an integral part of the band and helps
guests on the song, is not there (no surprise there), so frontman Tom S. make every song a Delain song. Before ‘The Gathering’, Charlotte tells
Englund has to sing the second verse, while ‘Broken Wings’ includes sav- the audience that ‘Lucidity’ is ten years old. As always they keep the very
age riffs and a darker vibe, yet gentle vocals. They joke that they played best until last – ‘We Are The Others’, Delain’s perfect anthem, a song that
Dudley to three men and a dog. There are a lot more in the Institute always brings an aching of the heart at the same time as a smile to your
tonight. face. Although it’s not the official anniversary party, it’s great to celebrate
Everyone (minus any dogs) is happy when Delain arrive on stage. Delain’s tenth anniversary year, and a new album, at another Delain show.
Arising like a butterfly metamorphosing from larva, ‘The Monarch’ makes Here’s to the next ten years.
the perfect intro before the band kick into ‘Hands Of Gold’, the opening YYYY
track from ‘Moonbathers’. Frontwoman Charlotte Wessels is wearing a re- SBV
vealing glittery gold dress, looking as sparkly as stardust – so it’s no sur- Charlotte Wessels & Otto Schimmelpenninck (Delain) Photo By Shari Black Velvet

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