DELAIN Extends ROADRUNNER Deal, Parts Ways With Bassist

DELAIN — the Dutch gothic rock/metal project founded by ex-WITHIN TEMPTATION keyboardist Martijn Westerholt (brother of WITHIN TEMPTATION's Robert Westerholt) — has issued the following update:

"We've got some big news. Recently we started working on our new third album, which we hope to release this year. Together with Roadrunner we are working on extending our cooperation, and together we're aiming for bigger, better, and heavier than ever before. An external producer, a real orchestra, and much more exciting stuff will be involved. We will work more extensively on DELAIN during this process, and we are very much looking forward to it. We will keep you informed with movie samples and blogs. However, because of DELAIN's development the last couple of years, it's becoming more time-consuming for all of us. That's why our bandmate Rob [van der Loo, bass] has decided to leave the band later this year. We will communicate more about his departure and his last show later on. Together with Rob we are already organizing his replacement. If you are also interested to audition you can contact us at [email protected]."

Rob van der Loo has released the following statement regarding his decision to leave DELAIN:

"The last six months have been very hard for me. Lately I have graduated from the Rock academy. Therefore, besides DELAIN, I also do a lot of other projects as a musician and as a music coach. I'm a busy bee and don't have a 9:00 to 5:00 job. I feel privileged to be able to do this kind of work but it made it harder for me to combine it with such a time- and energy-demanding band as DELAIN.

"I had a great time playing with DELAIN and I never wanted to miss this adventure.

"DELAIN is a succesful band, and because of that, it demands more and more time. That’s why, after some good thinking, I decided to leave DELAIN. This wasn't an easy choice but simply the best one to make. This means that in the following months I'll have some more time for myself to get focused again and to make a fresh new start.

"I'd like to give a big thank to all (ex-)bandmembers, our dedicated crew and, of course, to all fans over the world for the incredible support!"

DELAIN's second album, "April Rain", was released in North America on June 30, 2009 via Sensory Records (with U.S. distribution through Ryko and Canadian distribution through Sonic Unyon). The North American version of the album features a bonus track — "Come Closer" — which was previously only available on the limited-edition digipack version of the LP.

DELAIN last year parted ways with guitarist Ronald Landa due to musical differences. He has since been replaced by Ewout Pieters.

"April Rain" benefits from the return of NIGHTWISH bassist/vocalist Marco Hietala who sings male vocals on two tracks, as well as world-renowned cellist Maria Ahn.

(Thanks: Simone Steinbüchel / www.sounds2move.de)