For female fronted gothic/symphonic bands to stand out in a crowded genre, it requires a superior vocalist and excellent songwriting. Delain is very similar to bands like Within Temptation and the current edition of Nightwish.
The songwriting on April Rain is generally pretty good. There's a decent amount of diversity, mixing bombastic songs like "Virtue And Vice" with mellower ballads such as "On The Other Side" and more accessible poppy songs like the title track. The songs are well constructed with quality musicianship and atmosphere.
Vocalist Charlotte Wessels has a good voice. She has formal training in both jazz and classical music. Her tone is impeccable and she shows some power, but I'd like to hear her cut loose more often. As on their debut, Nightwish's Marco Hietala is a guest vocalist on a couple of songs.
April Rain is pretty standard symphonic/gothic metal. There are some standout songs and a few that don't really grab the listener, but fans of the genre will find plenty to enjoy here.
(released June 30, 2009 on Sensory Records)
