Ethereal Metal

Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer

r.m.music84@gmail.com

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Delain and Visions of Atlantis delivered an unforgettable night of symphonic metal at the Gramercy Theater on September 13th, and I had the privilege of experiencing every moment.

The evening commenced with a pre-show VIP session for Delain fans, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the band, including new lead singer Diana. Despite a minor hiccup with the VIP list, the interaction with the band members was genuine and heartwarming. Meeting the band, discussing their music, and even sharing a chat with Martijn about Eye of Melian, and him introducing me to his wife, who is the lyricist for EoM was great also. Diana and I also had a chance to discuss the interview I had with her back in February in support of the new album during the VIP session. It was wonderful to meet in person, bridging the gap between our previous conversation and the live performance. All of this made the VIP experience truly special.

Following the VIP session, we were treated to an acoustic rendition of ‘Mirror of Night’ by Ronald and Diana, creating an intimate atmosphere that showcased the more lighter side of the band. This stripped-down performance allowed us to appreciate the depth of their musical talent in a unique and personal way.

The transition to the main event was seamless, thanks to the smooth ticket and photo pass pickup at the box office.

DJ Alex Kayne, renowned for his influential role in the metal scene, set the stage with hard rock and metal classics, igniting the crowd’s anticipation for the headliners.

Alex Kayne’s legacy, stemming from the iconic L’Amour music venue in Brooklyn, New York, was palpable. His selection of hard-hitting tracks had the audience singing along at times, setting the tone for the night. As his set neared its end, Alex engaged the eager audience, asking who was ready for Visions of Atlantis and Delain. The response was nothing short of thunderous roars and cheering, priming the crowd for what lay ahead.

Visions of Atlantis, who had their first North American headlining tour earlier this year, took the stage with electrifying energy. Their latest album, “Pirates,” was the centerpiece of their performance, and the audience roared with excitement. The waters of North America were now familiar to them, and they embraced the audience with open arms.

This symphonic metal ensemble isn’t just a band; they are captivating performers with a stage presence that embodies the spirit of pirates. The chemistry between the band and the audience was palpable, creating an immersive experience.

Everything from the symphonic elements, to Dushi’s melodic yet heavy guitars, Herbert’s pulsating bass lines, Thomas’s intricate and well-timed drumming and the amazing vocals of Clemi and Meek makes this a performance you don’t want to miss.

Vocally speaking, Meek and Clemi’s vocals are hard to match. Not only do they both have incredible voices with impeccable range, control and power, but they also have incredibly subtle and intimate moments as well, creating an incredibly dynamic vocal exchange. Their voices blend incredibly well together, and their chemistry on stage is unforgettable.

Their setlist was a journey through their music, featuring tracks like “Master The Hurricane,” “A Life of Our Own,” “Clocks,” “Darkness Inside,” “Heroes Of The Dawn,” “Melancholy Angel,” “Pirates Will Return,” and “Legion of the Seas.”

A standout moment was during “Pirates Will Return” when the audience united in a symbolic row, emphasizing a message of unity in these trying times. It was a powerful moment, transforming Gramercy Theater into one big pirate ship, reminding us of the importance of working together in life’s journey.

Before concluding, Clemi promised the band’s return and hinted at new music in the works, leaving us eager for more.

Visions of Atlantis are more than a band; they are a testament to the power of music to bring people together. Don’t miss the chance to witness this exceptional act when they come to your town.

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Without much of a wait in between bands, Delain was up next, and this was the moment the crowd had been eagerly anticipating. Starting five minutes earlier than expected, the lights dimmed as Delain’s iconic intro began to play. The anticipation was palpable as the band members, one by one, took to the stage, promising an incredible set.

The Gramercy Theater was packed with fans, all eager to witness Delain’s new lineup and Diana’s debut as the lead singer in the United States. And let me tell you, they didn’t disappoint! The band, comprised of founder and keyboardist Martijin Westerholt, the mesmerizing new lead vocalist Diana Leah, the powerhouse drummer Sander Zoer, skilled guitarist Ronald Landa, and rock-solid bassist Ludovico Cioffi, took to the stage with a newfound confidence that was immediately evident. What struck me most about Delain, beyond their remarkable musical talents, was their genuineness as both people and musicians, exemplified by their kindness both on and off the stage.

With this new lineup, there seemed to be a renewed sense of purpose and energy within the band. After the departure of the previous members in February 2021, the band had initially announced a continuation as a solo project with guest artists. However, in August of 2022, the current lineup and a new album were revealed. This transformation turned out to be the perfect blend of time honored strengths and fresh influences, and the band had exceeded all expectations. Diana’s vocals effortlessly adapted to both the older classics and new material alike, and the die-hard fans in attendance couldn’t contain their excitement and support. With a setlist that spanned their entire discography, including tracks as far back as “The Gathering” from their debut album ‘Lucidity,’ Delain treated the audience to a masterfully curated performance infused with a vibrant energy that lit up the entire theater.

The chemistry within the band was undeniable, and it radiated throughout their performance. Diana’s stage presence was captivating, and her vocals soared with power and emotion, adding a new dimension to Delain’s sound. The instrumental prowess of Martijin, Sander, Ronald, and Ludovico was on full display, creating a sonic tapestry that enveloped the audience. Each song felt like an emotional journey, from the ethereal melodies of their earlier work to the heavier, more intense tracks from their recent album. It was clear that Delain had not only embraced their evolution but had also flourished in it.

One of the standout moments of the evening was the mesmerizing duet between Diana Leah and Michele Guaitoli (Meek) from Visions of Atlantis. Their voices intertwined in a symphonic dance, creating a harmonious blend that sent shivers down the spines of the audience. It was a breathtaking collaboration that showcased the depth of their vocal talent and left an indelible mark on the night’s performance.

As the set continued, the crowd’s enthusiasm grew, and you could feel the connection between the band and their devoted fans deepening with each note. The energy in the theater was electric, and as the final chords resonated, it was evident that Delain had not just put on a show; they had delivered an unforgettable experience, leaving new lead vocalist Diana even speechless at times. This new era for the band, marked by the fusion of their rich history with the fresh perspective of their current lineup and sound, promises a future filled with even greater musical adventures. Delain’s performance at the Gramercy Theater was a testament to their resilience, talent, and enduring connection with their audience, leaving no doubt that their symphonic metal journey is far from over. 

One thing is clear – both Delain and fans alike are in good hands! 

Setlist –

1. The Cold
2. Suckerpunch
3. Burning Bridges
4. The Quest & The Curse
5. April Rain
6. Underland
7. Get The Devil Out of Me
8. Invidia
9. Queen of Shadow (Duet w/ Michele Guaitoli of VoA)
10. The Gathering
11. Don’t Let Go
12. Moth to a Flame
13. Not Enough
14. Mother Machine
15. We Are The Others