Review | Charlotte Wessels – The Obsession

Napalm Records

I always thought that Charlotte Wessels “role” (her singing…)  in Delain was slightly underestimated. She certainly delivered the goods on her earlier solo albums ‘Tales From Six Feet Under’ (2021) and ‘Tales From Six Feet Under Volume 2’ (2022). With ‘The Obsession’, her third solo endeavour, Charlotte Wessels tries to take her solo career to another level. After a couple of spins of ‘The Obsession’ I am not quite sure if she succeeded in that….

EXCELLENT BAND

Wessels is backed by an excellent band, consisting of Timo Somers (guitars), Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (bass guitar) and Joey Marin de Boer on drums. She is also vocally assisted by Simone Simons (Epica) and Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy). The album starts more than excellent with ,,Chasing Sunsets”. A highlight of this album for sure. Featuring crunchy guitars, bombastic orchestral arrangements and of course most of all Charlotte’s soaring, beautiful vocals.

However, it seems that this first track is also the best song of the entire album, as the rest of the songs do not reach the same high musical level. The songwriting and the originality of the remaining songs truly are inferior to the impressive opening track. Take for example a song like ,,The Serpentine” or ,,Praise”. Definitely not bad songs, but I truly feel that they could have been better as they are hindered by lack of consistency……

CHARLOTTE WESSELS – THE CONCLUSION

,,The Exorcism” and ,,The Crying Room” are dark and heavy songs and show that this album really has potential. But I always have the feeling that something is missing. Although Wessels’ vocal performance is absolutely second to none throughout the entire album. Overall, ‘The Obsession’ is a worthwhile listening experience, but I do not think that this album will be making overtime in my CD player. I am convinced that Wessels can produce a better (read: more consistent) album.

Listening tip: ,,Chasing Sunsets”, play it LOUD!!

Release date: 20 September 2024