Review by Adam M on April 21, 2013.

Delain has an alternative vibe in their music that is highly reminiscent of Within Temptation. The songs found on "We Are The Others" are fun romps through relatively simple structures. This is fine because the band has a nice grasp on melodies and relatively simple song mechanics. There are plenty of catchy choruses for fans of that band as well. The rock-oriented nature of the songs here almost takes the band out of the Heavy Metal genre.

The first couple of tracks 'Mother Machine' and 'Electricity' set a strong precedence for the remainder of the album with their addictive grooves and nice flair for dynamics. There isn’t anything terribly risky in terms of musical complexity on this album. This means that fans of more mainstream music should find something to like here. There are some bands like The Gathering or Madder Mortem that make their songs a little more elaborate, however. The number of nice harmonies and melodies makes this album appealing for a quick listen. There are some segments with gentle keyboard portions that add colour whenever is appropriate as well.

Overall, there is very much to like to like with Delain, particularly the vocalist Charlotte Wessels. However, the relatively simplistic nature of the songs means that something more interesting a desire as well. For fans of bands with female vocalists, this is a great method to hold oneself over, for certain. Good song-writing and melodies mean "We Are The Others" sticks with you long after the listening experience.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Production: 8.5
Originality: 7.5
Overall: 8

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by JD on July 17, 2015.

I have been waiting to review this album from a band I got to like only after seeing one video by accident. Australian prog/power metallers Divine Ascension blew me away, after I saw the video for the incredible song "Answers", and then heard their album after that (As The Truth Appears)… now I get their newest album, and I can’t wait to hear it.

Led by the dynamic vocals of Jennifer Borg, and powered by an incredible line up of talented musicians (Luke Wenczel-Drums, Karl Szulik-Guitars (lead), Robert Inglis-Guitars (rhythm), David Van Pelt-(Keyboards), Jason Meracis- (Bass)), they come from the land down under to offer up a serving of pure metal. Mixing progressive metal with power and a small bit of other styles, Divine Ascension literally is as formulation for what will become the metal of today.

Listening to songs like the Queensryche styled "Sorrow’s Sacrifice" with its simple melody that leads into a gripping hook that keeps the riff in your head long after the song has died off- to the explosive power metal rocker "Dawn Brings No Mercy"- the band is ready to take the world by force, and they do seem as if they have both the earth shattering amount of talent and the balls-to-the-wall drive to do it.

These Aussies have it all, including an original yet still familiar sound that soothes this old headbanger’s heart. Divine Ascension is one of those acts that if given a few small breaks, and perhaps a spot on a tour with a major act that spans the globe, they would reach the brass ring no doubt about it. Even if the band never got an opening slot, just a couple of breaks will propel them into being the band they are striving to be… the best.

Rating: 9 out of 10