DIANNE, the solo project of Dutch singer Dianne van Giersbergen, has shared “After the Storm”, the first single from her upcoming album “Soulward Bound”. The song and its official video are available from 6 November 2026, introducing the project under van Giersbergen’s own name. It combines symphonic metal and power metal with her dramatic operatic vocal style.
The track focuses on standing up for yourself and abandoning the role of a pawn in someone else’s war. Its lyrics describe betrayal, isolation and fear before turning towards reclaiming one’s voice and purpose. The video was made by Blackbriar.
Three guests shape the track
DIANNE was produced, orchestrated and co-written by Joost van den Broek. Isaac Delahaye of Epica plays guitar, Johan van Stratum of Blind Guardian and Stream of Passion plays bass, and Koen Herfst performs on drums. The song is available through Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms.
The single begins the release campaign for “Soulward Bound”, an album that van Giersbergen plans to release under the DIANNE name. The project follows her work with Ex Libris and her period as the vocalist of Xandria, a role she held from 2013 to 2017. No reason for her departure from Xandria is given in the announcement.
Dianne’s operatic metal voice
Dianne van Giersbergen founded Ex Libris
Dianne van Giersbergen, born in 1985, sings on the track and leads DIANNE as its sole listed member. She is a Dutch spinto soprano and founded the progressive metal band Ex Libris. Before starting this solo project, she also sang with Xandria and worked with Countermove.
The “After the Storm” video presents van Giersbergen in a costume combining a dress, armour and jewellery, while the song’s arrangement places orchestral writing around its metal foundation. Its central message is stated plainly in the lyrics: after the conflict, she leaves no words unspoken and reclaims her song.
