about
biography
Charlotte Wessels is a Dutch singer, songwriter, and producer renowned for her contributions to the symphonic metal genre.
Her latest release, The Obsession, has been widely praised for its dynamic range, artistic growth, and emotional depth. Ever Metal highlighted its “skyscraper melodies” and Wessels’ “masterful vocals,” while Blabbermouth noted the album’s impressive variety, stating that “the sheer amount of ground covered by these 12 songs is equally impressive.” Louder Sound described it as “an auspicious and metallicized spin on her dark fairytale aesthetic,” recognizing its unique blend of styles. Meanwhile, Metal Sucks called it “a transcendent collection of moving yet forceful and complex compositions,” further cementing Wessels’ reputation as a versatile and evolving artist.
Wessels and her band, also named The Obsession, supported the release with a tour alongside VOLA in November 2024. Now, they are preparing for an electrifying summer festival season in 2025, with performances at renowned events such as Graspop, Hellfest, Tuska, Summer Breeze, and Dynamo Open Air. Looking ahead to early 2026, they will embark on their biggest tour yet, joining Epica and Amaranthe on the highly anticipated Arcane Dimensions Tour, performing in stadium-sized venues across Europe.
background
In 2005, at 17 years old, Wessels became the lead vocalist of Delain, with whom she released several acclaimed albums, including Lucidity (2006), April Rain (2009), We Are the Others (2012), The Human Contradiction (2014), Moonbathers (2016), and Apocalypse & Chill (2019). Her emotive vocals, powerful melodies, and engaging lyrics were instrumental in shaping Delain’s sound and success.
Following her departure from the band in 2021, Wessels embarked on a solo career that showcased her versatility and artistic independence. Her initial solo projects, Tales from Six Feet Under (2021) and its sequel (2022), were collections of songs written and recorded in her basement home studio during the pandemic and shared with fans via Patreon. These albums traversed various genres, reflecting her eclectic musical influences, with songs and videos drawing inspiration from horror, film, literature, and art.
the obsession
In September 2024, Wessels released The Obsession, her first full studio album under Napalm Records – and her most personal to date – chronicling her experiences with OCD through songs about fear and obsession. While incorporating fresh and progressive influences, the album also marked a return to her symphonic metal roots and featured collaborations with former Delain bandmates Timo Somers (guitar), Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (bass), and Joey Marin de Boer (drums), as well as pianist Sophia Vernikov and keyboardist/orchestrator Vikram Shankar. Guest vocalists included Simone Simons (Epica) and Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy). The album was widely praised for its depth and seamless fusion of Wessels’ signature style with new musical explorations. Charlotte Wessels + The Obsession are currently touring the album on stages across Europe.
community
Wessels maintains a close connection with her audience through Patreon, offering insights into her creative process and fostering a dedicated community of supporters. More than just a platform, her Patreon has become a creative sanctuary where fans actively participate in her artistic journey. Since launching in 2020, she has released a new song every month, totaling over 60 Song of the Month tracks at the time of writing. Through exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to new music, and intimate live-streamed performances, she has built a thriving community that exemplifies the power of direct artist-fan collaboration. Here, supporters don’t just witness the music being made, they help bring it to life.
Beyond her musical career, Wessels holds degrees in art history and gender studies. She frequently addresses social issues such as equality, mental health, animal rights, and climate change through her music and platform. A significant figure in the metal community, Charlotte Wessels continues to be celebrated for her emotive performances, thought-provoking lyrics, and dedication to artistic evolution.
Left to right: Timo Somers, Nina van Beelen, Charlotte Wessels, Joey Marin de Boer, Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije. Photo by Nina Hermans