The mixing of Metal genres became the exit for many younger acts that want to be noted by the fans in the middle of thousand releases that everyday are put on the digital platforms, but in reality, this is what the core of Metal is since BLACK SABBATH unleashed its fury with “Black Sabbath”. It depends a lot of what the musicians gather into their hearts in terms of influences, and it’s never a simple task, because such work needs rehearsals, talks and exploring what they want to do with their musical work. And a fine mix of influences can be heard on “Harlekin und Krieger”, ROBSE’s first full-length.

The German sextet shows a mix between Melodic Death Metal (in a way similar to what AMON AMARTH shows, but with many blast beats and double bass parts) with influences of Folk Metal and more (traces of Gothic Rock can be heard on “Hey Sturm”, where some lead guitars and female voices are heard as well), and even some Symphonic Metal elements. It’s a mix that is really excellent, full of energy, with contrasts between slow and fast parts, a rich instrumental care and more. What are you expecting? Dom R. Cray (of EQUILIBRIUM and NOTHGARD, and a known producer on German underground scene) was hired to work as producer, and he did the mixing and mastering too. The try was to create a blend between what Melodic Death Metal bands uses with the needed clarity for the fans’ understanding. It’s not 100% what the band’s music needs, but’s a very good result for first album, indeed.

As told above, the band is young (they started on 2022) and is just starting its career, so some immaturity is natural to be heard. But what they deliver on “Sonata Arlecchino” (a symphonic/folk intro), “Harlekin und Krieger” (fine riffs are expelled by the guitars, with melodic arrangements, the rhythmic contrast are truly very good and fine chorus), “Hey Sturm” (a rich song in terms of elements, with very good melodies and a solid work on bass guitar and drums, and pay attention as influences of Melodic Death Metal, Symphonic Metal, Gothic Rock and Folk Metal contrasts in harmony), “Amenthes”, “Aus dem Gleichgewicht” (catching melodies, indeed), “Von der Schenke zur Taverne” (the Folk Metal side is more evident on the ambiences of this one, enriched with some very good keyboards touches), “Kleine weiße Friedenstaube”, “Lied der Nacht” (a beautiful and tender song based on acoustic chords and keyboards, and fine female singing on a Pagan/Folk way), “Nostalgia”, “Flamme der Revolution” and “Viva la Caida” is really very good and deserves applauses.

“Harlekin und Krieger” is a very good release, and for a first coming, ROBSE shows a lot of potential. But this means as well that their future is really promising.