Conventional wisdom suggests that it’s best to avoid a dance with death. However, in the case of “Deathly Waltz“, the debut single by Gabriëlle Driessen, one should certainly shirk that advice. Lest you miss out on one of the most promising new acts of the year. Especially if you are partial to the genres of symphonic or gothic metal – or more accurately, dark fantasy metal (according to Driessen herself). It’s quite hard to argue with this novel categorisation, given the fact that her music finds its inspiration in the dark cinematic soundtracks produced by Danny Elfman. If that makes you hyped, then you’re in the right place!
To emulate such an iconic film composer, one must be extremely talented. And as a singer, songwriter, composer, cellist, and musicologist, Driessen comfortably fits that description. She was born in Venezuela to an Italian heritage, and was raised in a musical household as her father is a lyrical tenor, while her brother is a pianist. At a young age, Driessen began to explore her vocal capabilities as well, and in the process discovered that she had a natural gift for singing in operatic high registers. Her formal classical training commenced at only eleven years old; a decision partly influenced by Epica’s “The Phantom Agony“. But as time progressed, her tastes grew to include other European symphonic and gothic metal bands, cinematic fantasy scores, and academic music – all of which she now masterfully weaves into her own sound and compositions.
Her experience also includes a degree in Musicology at the University of Oviedo, which she has this year successfully graduated. It was during this period of education when Driessen really dived into the study of orchestral composition, and started the journey of formulating her own debut solo album. A creative endeavour that found itself bolstered via the support and collaboration of producer Yamil Ladner (Abstracted Mind), who helped in moulding the overall focus and cohesion of her vision. While no official release date has been confirmed for the debut album, Beyond Our Endlessness, we’re told this is Driessen’s immediate goal, and that it will be released single by single, so we should not have to wait too long for more new material to drop.
In the meantime, we have the spectacular “Deathly Waltz” to hold us over. As the title of the song implies, this is a thrilling dance with the dead. And just because it’s a waltz, do not expect it to be a walk in the park. Or else you might be thrown off and lose your footing when the blast beats hit you. Don’t worry, the intensity is also matched by the symphonic bombast, which is in full force as well on this track. There is no shortage of energy with the frenetic guitar riffs, and the gothic piano keys add an elegant layer of intricacy. As Driessen’s haunting vocals fluctuate between a sweet, inviting sound, and then borderline scary with her growls. All the while, her sinister cello plays in the background and keeps us swaying in time to the dark, mischievous melody.
Thematically, the track draws upon the historied motif of the Danse Macabre (or Dance of Death). A reminder of our own mortality, but also the grief and torment which accompanies the loss of a loved one. As told by the portrayal of two lovers, and their desperate attempts to be reunited after a death resulted in their separation: “Let me dance with you once again // As we did the night we fell apart // Before your life vanished like a misty whisper // Oh, my love, how I wish to kiss you once again“. I’m excited to report that this piece works equally well on a literary level. And so it should come as no surprise that Driessen is also working on a trilogy of books to act as a counterpart to her music. It is almost as if she is building her own dark fantasy universe, one which you can experience in multiple ways. And if this is the plan, then you can absolutely count me in!
As a final note, be sure to check out the video for “Deathly Waltz” when it premieres on the official YouTube channel at 22:00 CET on November 28th (link below). We’ll see you there!
Verdict: Gabriëlle Driessen’s “Deathly Waltz” is a mini-masterpiece, and an absolute must for those who like dark, theatrical soundtracks (a la Danny Elfman), with the added bonus of a heavy metal backing. It’s tragically romantic and macabre in all the right doses, while simultaneously pulsating with life, thanks to the enchanting new frontwoman in Driessen.
