Quickly returning with a new EP after last year’s Dark Waters, which saw a massive line-up shift for Delain, some might think that there isn’t enough material to warrant an investigation. In fact, Dance with the Devil is nothing less than a smorgasbord of material from the band if one really wants to nitpick. However, to make that assumption would be a mistake, as it’s more of a treasure trove than anything else.
Starting off the EP are two new songs, which are the most appealing piece for fans. The title track, to be frank, is just one of the strongest Delain tracks in recent memory. The heavy grooves of the song work as an excellent counterbalance to Diana Leah’s soaring vocals, and it’s got one of the band’s soaring signature choruses. But it’s also not afraid to really dig in with some teeth with harsh vocals later on in a completely headbangable section that feels like a natural step for the group. “The Reaping” has more of a dreamy, atmospheric vibe to it, but again has a nice contrast between the heavy riffing and the electronics and Leah’s dynamic vocals. After this song comes a re-recorded/re-mastered of the band’s classic “Sleepwalkers Dream,” giving Leah to put her own stamp on the song with vocals, to which she does a nice job of doing.
Nine live songs follow those studio tracks, and while the individual’s mileage might vary on them, there’s no doubt that they are nicely recorded. It’s not a surprise move from the band, given their usual release of live performances and songs, and with the still somewhat recent member influx, it makes sense that they’d put them here. A mix of songs from Dark Waters alongside their older tracks shows off how the band hasn’t really lost a step along the way. Two instrumental versions of the new tracks comes up next, and the EP ends with an ‘alternate ending’ to the song “Underland.” While the end of the EP may not be ‘must hear’ material, it’s a nice bonus to provide more content.
For an EP, there’s a lot to digest in Dance with the Devil. Given the sheer strength of the two new tracks, it’s worth checking out for even casual Delain fans. But the diehards will get quite a value from this considering how much material they have placed onto the disc. Hard to complain when there’s this much available. In fact, more bands would do well to take notice of the TLC put into this particular release.