The unusual decision by former Delain singer Charlotte Wessels to release a deluxe reissue of The Obsession about a year after the first release (September 2024) is surprising. To say the least, but also indicative of the artistic consolidation achieved after intense work.
The Obsession, the debut of Charlotte Wessels
Although chronologically The Obsession is the Dutch artist’s third album, it can be considered her first true full-length album. Indeed, as the previous Tales from Six Feet Under volumes 1 and 2 were mainly collections of songs recorded in her private studio during the pandemic.
The reinvention of Charlotte Wessels
With The Obsession, Charlotte Wessels reinvents herself. Actually with the support of all her old bandmates who have followed her on this new journey: Timo Somers (guitar), Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (bass), and Joey Marin de Boer (drums), joined by Nina van Beelen (keyboards and backing vocals). The new Wessels is more decisive and aggressive, creating a powerful and captivating sound. The first single released ahead of the album is The Exorcism. Already, had us jumping out of our seats. We really prepared for such a turnaround, and even the video accompanying the song completely took us by surprise.
The different shades and colors of The Obsession
But the album has different shades and colors, starting with the powerful Chasing Sunsets, which opens the album with Wessels‘s vocal acrobatics backed by a very convincing wall of sound. How can you not be enchanted by Dopamine sung as a duet with Simone Simons of Epica? Indeed, with a catchy chorus that draws you into a spiral of sound, both affected and deadly at the same time. But the album also features another old acquaintance of Wessels, Canadian singer Alissa White-Gluz. She recently left the renowned Swedish band Arch Enemy to launch her own solo career. Ode to the West Wind is a truly unique song that doesn’t grab you right away. But grows with each listen, thanks to the original fusion of Charlotte and Alissa‘s voices. Especially with the addition of the latter’s growl in the backing vocals.
Praising the work
The Obsession is an album that was highly appreciated by lovers of symphonic metal. But also by all those listeners who appreciate the quality of such a varied work. This work also contains elements of psychedelic rock and West Coast rock, as in the case of the track Praise.
The Soft Revolution and Backup Plan in The Obsession
The Soft Revolution (2024 version) at the end of the album closed an excellent work with Wessels‘ most beloved song, originally released in 2021. So, with that said, what can we expect from this Deluxe version of The Obsession? Apart from a slightly longer version of the instrumental Breathe. Additionally, there is the collaboration with Asgeir Mygind from the progressive metal band Vola. Which Charlotte shared an EU tour earlier.
Charlotte + Vola’s Asgeir Mygind
The song, entitled Backup Plan, flows like a sweet lullaby, offering a perfect blend of Wessels‘s ethereal voice and Asgeir‘s changing tone, which often flows into falsetto. And even when the song picks up pace, it offers a powerful crescendo that doesn’t scratch. And the circularly repeated chorus becomes like a mantra that captivates without tiring.
Dreamscaping in The Obsession
Then, next up is the Dreamscape Version of the aforementioned Dopamine featuring Simone Simons, an almost chill-out version, with stripped-down rhythms and sampled harp sequences. The prominent vocals reinvent the atmosphere of the song. And transport us into a sort of muffled dream. A remix with commendable intentions, but one that actually detracts from the song.
Conquering Dynamo
This Deluxe edition concludes with three live tracks from the Dynamo Metalfest. It highlights the band’s talent, if ever there was any need. Especially in the closing track, The Exorcism. Indeed, where the power of the sound reaches its peak and the vocals reach moments of great intensity, approaching a growl.
Concluding over The Obsession
In essence, this new edition of the album is on support for the tour underway in early 2026. In which Charlotte Wessels is accompanied by the words “The Obsession” to emphasize the presence of the current band. We sincerely hope that this project continues on the path it has taken. So that this talented ensemble can give us more gems of great music.
Track list
- Chasing Sunsets
- Dopamine (feat. Simone Simons)
- The Exorcism
- Soulstice
- The Crying Room
- Ode To The West Wind (feat. Alissa White-Gluz)
- Serpentine
- Praise
- All You Are
- Vigor And Valor
- Breathe; Extended
- Soft Revolution (2024)
- Backup Plan (feat. Asger Mygind/VOLA)
- Dopamine (Dreamscape Version / feat. Simone Simons)
- The Crying Room (Live At Dynamo Metalfest)
- Soft Revolution (Live At Dynamo Metalfest)
- The Exorcism (Live At Dynamo Metalfest)
Line Up
- Charlotte Wessels – Vocals
- Timo Somers – Guitar
- Joey Marin de Boer – Drums
- Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije – Bass
- Sophia Vernikov – Keyboard