ohanna Charlotte Wessels, born on May 13, 1987, in the Netherlands, is a celebrated Dutch singer and songwriter. Known for her distinctive voice and emotional depth, she initially gained fame as the lead vocalist of the symphonic metal band Delain. Her career spans multiple musical genres, from symphonic rock to indie pop, showcasing her versatility and passion for musical storytelling.
Early Musical Training and Style

Wessels began her musical journey with training in jazz and later pursued classical singing. Her jazz instructor encouraged her to explore classical techniques, but Wessels found the classical style limiting. Instead, she developed a unique approach, blending classical vocal elements with jazz-inspired improvisation—a style well-suited to the gothic and symphonic metal genres that she would later embrace.
Career Beginnings with To Elysium

Around age fifteen or sixteen, Wessels joined the gothic metal band To Elysium. As a minor, her parents had to sign a contract to formalize her involvement. This early experience was formative for her career, as it exposed her to the heavy, atmospheric music that would characterize her work with Delain.
Delain (2004–2021)

In 2004, Wessels crossed paths with Martijn Westerholt, former keyboardist of Within Temptation. Initially conceived as a studio project, Delain quickly transformed into a full-fledged band after they signed with Roadrunner Records in 2005. Wessels took on the dual roles of lead vocalist and lyricist, helping to define Delain’s symphonic metal sound. Over the years, she became the face of the band and a beloved figure in the metal community. In February 2021, Wessels announced her departure as Delain restructured, wishing her fans and fellow bandmates well with the poignant words, “We Are The Others, always will be.” She left to pursue new creative avenues, including a solo career.
Phantasma (2015–2017)

In 2015, Wessels co-founded Phantasma with Serenity’s Georg Neuhauser and Everon’s Oliver Philipps. Signed to Napalm Records, the group released The Deviant Hearts, a symphonic rock concept album. Alongside her musical contributions, Wessels wrote a novella titled The Deviant Hearts, included with the album’s physical release. This project allowed her to merge her love of storytelling with music, expanding her artistic range.
Solo Career (2020–Present)

Wessels embarked on a solo career in 2020, beginning with her single “Lizzie,” a collaboration with Alissa White-Gluz. After leaving Delain, she released the single “Soft Revolution” in January 2021, and her first solo album, Tales from Six Feet Under, followed in September of that year. Crafted entirely in her home studio, the album presented a mix of indie pop and synth-rock influences, with Wessels performing all instruments herself. The album showcased her range beyond metal, emphasizing her skills as a songwriter and producer.

In June 2022, she announced her second album, Tales from Six Feet Under, Vol. II, expanding on her genre-blending style. She collaborated with Epica on the song “Sirens – Of Blood and Water” for their EP The Alchemy Project. Wessels continued to release solo music, culminating in her third album, The Obsession, in 2024. This album featured several singles, including “The Exorcism,” “Chasing Sunsets,” “Dopamine,” and “Ode to the West Wind,” marking another evolution in her sound and lyrical exploration.
Legacy and Artistic Vision

Johanna Wessels has become a significant figure in the symphonic and gothic metal genres. Her fearless approach to genre-mixing, combined with her emotive storytelling and distinct voice, has resonated with audiences worldwide. Through her evolving solo career, she continues to push boundaries, using music as a means of exploring complex emotional landscapes and personal narratives.