CHARLOTTE WESSELS Joined By Simone Simons of Epica for Third Single “Dopamine” + Official Video

New Album, ‘The Obsession,’ Drops September 20, 2024 via Napalm Records | Secure Your Copy HERE!

On Tour With VOLA This Fall!

Release Show Taking Place October 4, 2024 at TivoliVredenburg – Ronda in Utrecht

Astonishing singer-songwriter CHARLOTTE WESSELS (ex-DELAIN) has joined forces with Simone Simons of Epica for her mesmerizing new single entitled “Dopamine”. This track is part of WESSELS’ first traditional full-length, full-band solo album, ‘The Obsession,’ set to be released on September 20, 2024 via Napalm Records. Promising a deeply immersive and evocative experience, the two Dutch symphonic metal legends guide listeners through the emotional landscape of SSRI-induced numbness. ‘The Obsession’ showcases WESSELS’ most mature work to date, blending progressive and heavier soundscapes with catchy elements.

Supported by her former DELAIN bandmates, who contribute to the album’s heavier sound, CHARLOTTE WESSELS is set to bring ‘The Obsession’ to the stage this year. The journey begins with a release show on October 4, 2024 at Utrecht’s TivoliVredenburg, followed by a special guest appearance with label mates KAMELOT and AD INFINITUM in Drachten on October 11, 2024. After these shows, WESSELS will join VOLA on their Friend of Phantom EU Tour 2024, kicking off on November 1.

CHARLOTTE WESSELS on “Dopamine”:

“Lyrically, ‘Dopamine’ deals with SSRI-induced numbness that I experienced a few years ago when I was on Sertraline, a type of antidepressant. While the medication was really helpful, there were so many side effects that I’d never heard of. This song deals with some of them, and while it feels vulnerable to expose the experience, I hope it helps in breaking down the shame and taboo around the topic.

“Simone reached out to me as I was first opening up about this in an interview, and when the first version of ‘Dopamine’ dropped on Patreon (because of course we’re each other’s patrons) she texted how much she liked the song. So when we were working on the album version it only made sense to ask if she’d sing along on the track. I am so happy she agreed and after all of the shared introspection, it was great fun to let loose wearing pink wigs in ball pits and marshmallow pools for the video recordings. Musically, out of the entire new album, ‘Dopamine’ went through the biggest transformation. What started out as an EDM demo for a collaboration with a dance duo that never happened, became an acoustic Song Of The Month on Patreon, which then had a massive overhaul when rearranging it with Timo. The new band version is an absolute banger, and the beautiful guest vocals by Simone complete the song.”

Watch the captivating official music video for “Dopamine” HERE:

CHARLOTTE WESSELS about the new album:

“On the one hand, this album tells a very personal story – through its unintended theme of fear, obsessive thoughts and the escapes from them – and at the same time it represents the joy of finding the song’s true forms with everyone involved in the making of this record. That’s why I chose ‘The Obsession’ as a title. It refers to my personal challenges with OCD that inspired many of the songs – but I’ve also started referring to the band as The Obsession – because there were moments in the studio with them that truly reminded me of why I’m obsessed with making music in the first place.”

Themes of fear, obsessive thoughts, and escapism run rampant on the album, presenting dark and heavy on songs like “The Exorcism”, “The Crying Room” and “Ode To The West Wind” (feat. Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy). In addition, there are songs that offer a more upbeat approach to the subject – like “Dopamine” (feat. Simone Simons of Epica) which deals with SSRI-induced numbness, or “Praise” – which sings the gospel of needing external validation in order to feel anything. The reimagining of fan-favorite “Soft Revolution” won’t leave a dry eye in the room, while “Soulstice” and “Serpentine” present an unprecedented dark sensuality. Each song itself functions like an exorcism, an attempt to cast out a little of the fear it deals with.

CHARLOTTE WESSELS about the guests:

“I’m extremely grateful and proud to add Simone Simons and Alissa White-Gluz to the line-up of this album. They are creative powerhouses that I have so much love and respect for. Whenever we get to work together is an absolute treat and they really elevated the songs with their performances.”

‘The Obsession’ Track List:

1.  Chasing Sunsets

2.  Dopamine

3.  The Exorcism

4.  Soulstice

5.  The Crying Room

6.  Ode To The West Wind

7.  Serpentine

8.  Praise

9.  All You Are

10. Vigor And Valor

11. Breathe;

12. Soft Revolution (2024)

‘The Obsession’ will be available in the following formats:

=> Gatefold 2-Vinyl SPLATTER + 2 Bonustracks (“Backup Plan” + “Breathe; Extended“), D-Side Etched – ltd. to 200 copies worldwide *Napalm Records Mailorder Only*

=> Gatefold 2-Vinyl RECYCLED BLACK + 2 Bonustracks

(“Backup Plan” + “Breathe; Extended“), D-Side Etched

=> Gatefold 2-Vinyl INKSPOT + 2 Bonustracks (“Backup Plan” + “Breathe; Extended“), D-Side Etched *Patreon Exclusive*

=> Digisleeve + Shirt Bundle

=> Digisleeve

=> Digital Album

[Gatefold 2-Vinyl SPLATTER + 2 Bonustracks (“Backup Plan” + “Breathe; Extended“), D-Side Etched – ltd. to 200 copies worldwide *Napalm Records Mailorder Only*]

[Digisleeve + Shirt Bundle]

CHARLOTTE WESSELS LIVE 2024

17.08.24 NL – Ulft Dru Park / Huntenpop Festival

14.09.24 NL – Rotterdam / Baroeg Open Air

04.10.24 NL – Utrecht / TivoliVredenburg – Ronda (Album Release Show)

11.10.24 NL – Drachten / Poppoadium Iduna (with Kamelot & Ad Infinitum)

Friend of a Phantom EU Tour 2024

Supporting VOLA

01.11.24 DK – Århus / Voxhall

02.11.24 SE – Gothenburg / Pustervik

03.11.24 NO – Oslo / Vulkan Arena

08.11.24 SE – Stockholm / Fryshuset Klubben

10.11.24 DE – Berlin / Columbia Theater

11.11.24 PL – Krakow / Hype Park

13.11.24 CZ – Prague / Meetfactory

14.11.24 AT – Vienna / Flex

15.11.24 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle

16.11.24 CH – Zurich / Komplex

17.11.24 IT – Milan / Live Club

19.11.24 DE – Cologne / Kantine

21.11.24 FR – Paris / Petit Bain

22.11.24 UK – London / Heaven

23.11.24 UK – Nottingham / Rescue Rooms

24.11.24 UK – Glasgow / G2

25.11.24 UK – Manchester / Club Academy

26.11.24 UK – Bristol / SWX

27.11.24 LU – Esch-Sur-Alzette / Rockhal

28.11.24 NL – Eindhoven / Effenaar

29.11.24 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle