After parting ways with Equilibrium, Robse returns with his new self-titled band and their debut album Harlekin & Krieger. Known for his powerful presence in the Epic Metal scene, Robse (Robert-Martin Dahn) brings together a talented lineup of metal veterans, including members from Final Depravity and ONCE. The album features a mix of folk, melodic death, and pagan metal, reminiscent of Robse’s previous work but with fresh energy.

The title track “Harlekin und Krieger” is a high-energy banger that sets the tone for the album. While tracks like “Hey Sturm” fall into more generic territory with standard lyrical themes, songs such as “Aus Dem Gleichgewicht” showcase the album’s melodic black metal influences. The record delivers powerful festival-ready anthems, like the drinking song “Von Der Schenke Zur Taverne,” which taps into folk metal’s celebratory spirit. There are also more unusual moments, like the reimagined DDR children’s song “Kleine Weiße Friedenstaube,” featuring vocals from Stumpen of Knorkator.

The album balances heavy riffs with softer, more melodic moments, particularly in the ballad “Lied der Nacht,” a duet between Robse and keyboardist Alina Lesnik. However, “Nostalgia” ventures into English with mixed results, and not every track hits the mark. Nonetheless, the closing track “Viva La Caida” is a standout, thanks to its catchy guitar leads and energetic delivery.

Harlekin & Krieger is a debut full of highs and lows. While it showcases some of Robse’s finest moments, there are a few tracks that feel more like experimental filler. However, it’s an exciting new chapter for Robse, and fans will be eager to see where this new musical journey takes him. For those seeking a mix of bombastic epic metal with folk influences, Harlekin & Krieger is a promising start.

8,5/10

Album: Harlekin & Krieger

Band: Robse

Label: Reaper Entertainmant

Distribution: Reaper Entertainmant/ The Rock Online

Release date: August 2024

Track list:

  1. Sonata Arlecchino
  2. Harlekin und Krieger
  3. Hey Sturm
  4. Amenthes
  5. Aus dem Gleichgewicht
  6. Von der Schenke zur Taverne
  7. Kleine weiße Friedenstaube
  8. Lied der Nacht
  9. Nostalgia
  10. Flamme der Revolution
  11. Viva la Caida

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