But… along comes the fifth album from Denmark’s Wuthering Heights and I’m enjoying the hell out of it. Much more so than my only other exposure to the band, 2006s The Shadow Cabinet.

I don’t know if it’s the bands slightly more melodic/thrash backbone, the very small injections of folk music (or in the case of this album, injections of nautical/pirate-elements), but either way, Salt has been getting a lot of rotation on my iPod and I’m loving every over the top note.

Other than the brilliant song writing of guitarist Erik Ravn, the heart of Wuthering Heights is vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors, Lion’s Share and Space Odyssey). Channeling equal parts Rio James Dio (RIP), Bruce Dickinson and Jack Black, his over the top delivery is borderline comical at times, but the man has chops and it all seems to fit in to the overarching marine concept of the album.

The songs carry the concept perfectly through all 9 songs on Salt. Songs I’ve found myself humming and singing too subconsciously, all helped by the fact there seems to be a lot more oomph and pacing to the material. The guitars of Ravn and Martin Arendal (Manticora) crunch with a tone that’s far more appealing than many power metal bands I’ve heard. Then to top it off, the keyboards of Martin Arendal (Audiovision) drench everything in the expected epic hues, but with a bit of a folk and of course, maritime atmospheres which almost makes you smell the briny seas.

With the exception of the short and overtly cheesy ‘drinking song’ “Water of Life”, all of the songs left me simply enthralled and entertained from start finish. The pacing ranges from energetic gallops to more somber controlled moments, all in the framework of the varied and lengthy songs that carry the story perfectly. I especially enjoyed the Pirate-ish shanty “The Mad Sailor”, rousing “Weather the Storm”, the stern crunch of “Tears” and the 16-minute epic closer “Lost at Sea”, which imbued visions of Maiden’s “Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner” (which I’d love to hear these guys cover). But, frankly, this is an album where I can listen to either all the tracks from start to finish, or jump to a favorite and still be immensely entertained.

Of course its all immaculately produced and has lavish story telling lyrics, making for a complete package that all power metal fans should seek out, and in all, an album that might just flirt with my year list, a first for any sort of power metal act.

Licensed to Sensory Records (with US distribution through Ryko/Canadian distribution thorough Sonic Unyon) from Roadrunner Records who released the album in Europe, April Rain is cut from similar cloth from Lucidity but different enough to hear the evolution mentioned above. Instead of the multiple guests that were featured on Lucidity, April Rain does benefit from the return of Nightwish bassist Marco Hietala who sings male vocals on two tracks, as well as world renowned cellist Maria Ahn.

Martijin Westholt is clearly at the helm – the big symphonic sound is still in place. Those elements that he brought to Within Temptation are clearly evident. There is a difference though…perhaps because of Jacob Hansen’s mix the sound is more focused and even grittier, crunchier (thank you Mr. Landa). Songs tend to be on the shorter side but they slam harder. Having been familiar with Rob Van Der Loo’s intense basswork with Sun Caged its great to see him bring that progressive element to the rhythm section. Charlotte Wessels is young but has developed into the perfect voice and face for Delain.

The com parisons to Within Temptation will continue but it’s obvious that Delain has come up with their own sound that stands on its own. April Rain is THE symphonic gothic metal album of 2009. The album debuted this week on the Dutch Top 100 album charts at #14, and debuted at #1 on the Dutch Alternative Charts. The band is currently on tour in Europe as direct support for Kamelot, which takes them immediately into their headlining tour. Through the kindness of Roadrunner NL we are able to offer the special limited edition digipak edition, with the exclusive bonus track “Come Closer”.