Charlotte Wessels Unveils New Solo Album, The Obsession, With Her First Full Studio Experience
Photo Credit: Tim Tronckoe
After captivating fans with her Tales From Six Feet Under compilation series, Dutch singer-songwriter Charlotte Wessels is ready to take her solo career to new heights with the release of her first full studio album, The Obsession. Set for release under Napalm Records on September 20, 2024, this album is a landmark in Wessels’ journey, showing her artistic evolution from the Six Feet Under series to a bold new chapter filled with explosive sound and compelling themes.
Known for her former role as the vocalist of symphonic metal band DELAIN, Wessels has been building a dedicated following through her solo work, which she largely developed and shared from her home studio. Her previous albums, Tales From Six Feet Under (2021) and Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II (2022), showcased her unique blend of dark pop, gothic, and alternative rock, resonating with listeners worldwide. Now, The Obsession finds Wessels working alongside a full band, including former DELAIN members Timo Somers (guitar), Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (bass), and Joey Marin de Boer (drums). The line up also features Sophia Vernikov on piano and Hammond organ, and arrangements by Vikram Shankar, bringing an even richer, heavier sound to her compositions.
With renowned sound experts Guido Aalbers (mixer) and Andy VanDette (mastering engineer) contributing their expertise, the album carries an immersive audio depth that draws the listener into each track’s story. The involvement of guest artists such as Alissa White-Gluz from Arch Enemy and Simone Simons from Epica adds even more intensity and breadth, making this album one to anticipate.
The Obsession explores darker emotional landscapes, weaving themes of fear, obsession, and escapism through its lyrics and sound. The album’s opener, "The Exorcism," alongside tracks like “The Crying Room” and “Ode To The West Wind,” dives into the depths of the human psyche, balancing moody atmospheres with driving riffs. On the other side, tracks like "Dopamine" (featuring Simone Simons) bring a more upbeat vibe to similar themes, exploring SSRI-induced numbness. "Praise" reflects on the struggle for external validation, tapping into the need for approval in a relatable, introspective way.
In addition to these new songs, The Obsession presents a reimagined version of the fan-favorite "Soft Revolution," which is bound to strike a chord with her audience. New tracks like "Soulstice" and "Serpentine" bring an alluringly dark sensuality to the album, showcasing Wessels' talent for blending evocative storytelling with intricate, multi-layered soundscapes. Each track is structured as a kind of personal exorcism, confronting the fears and desires that fuel Wessels' writing.
Tracklist:
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
Soft Revolution (2024 Version)
For fans of Charlotte, The Obsession is a must-listen, offering her most intricate and mature work to date. By merging spellbinding melancholy, heavy soundscapes, and her powerful voice, Charlotte Wessels delivers a striking album that embodies her unique talent and genre-defying musical identity. This is a compelling step forward for an artist who has never shied away from exploring the shadows, and The Obsession promises an unforgettable experience that fans won’t want to miss.
