ROBSE – Harlekin Und Krieger (Album Review)

The way of the warrior is no laughing matter.

In this day of shifting allegiances, the fragmenting of an iconic metal staple is often the precursor to another potential one being born. The specific case of one of Germany’s most celebrating 2000s folk metal titans Equilibrium falls neatly into this eventuality, as a sudden and rather jarring stylistic shift into metalcore territory on 2019 opus “Renegades” had many fans scratching their heads.

The subsequent departure of then-lead vocalist Robert-Martin Dahn, whom had been credited under the pseudonym Robse, would lead to what one might dub a return to form under the banner of a newly minted project bearing said vocal helmsman’s aforementioned stage name. Now with a comparably competent and massive flock of instrumentalists to that of his former band, Robse has unleashed an album that both stylistically and in terms of scope embodies what many likely hoped “Renegades” would have been in “Harlekin Und Krieger.”

Though this band shares many expected parallels to Dahn’s 12-year run with Equilibrium, it should be noted that it is not a carbon copy thereof. The riffing of guitarists Oliver Hay and Dennis “Blaze” Baron, and even the generally heavier tone of the entire arrangement points to a greater affinity with the old Gothenburg style and the early works of subsequent Swedish melodeath trailblazers Arch Enemy and Amon Amarth.

Likewise, Dahn’s generally deeper and traditionally grounded guttural bark lands a little closer to what Johan Hegg might have brought to this project had he been tapped for it. Throw in the keyboard and occasional lead vocal input of Alina Lesnik and some Celtic-like melodic hooks into the arrangement, and what emerges is something that’s a tad more technically intricate musically speaking, though perhaps a tad less cinematic and pompous as prior Equilbrium‘s masterworks like “Rekreatur” and “Erdentempel” and perhaps a little closer to what Suidakra has been up to of late.

For an album that leans a little closer to the traditional side of the melodic death metal coin, things begin untraditionally and occasionally veer into some unexpected places. The album’s cinematic and synthesizer-heavy prelude “Sonata Arlecchino” seems to draw the most from the inspirational well of Hans Zimmer’s modern film score work, but has a somewhat whimsical and carnival-like character that plays to the album’s title.

“Kleine WeiBe Friedenstaube” lands hard with a pummeling riff set, but the vocal input of comedic metal act Knorator’s frontman Stumpen recaps the previously noted carnival aesthetic and almost feels avant-garde in demeanor. Likewise, the serene balladry and dense symphonic air of “Lied Der Nacht” sees Lesnik dominating the vocal fray and turning things towards a hybrid of old-school Nightwish-brand melancholy and an occasional 90s Gothic/doom shtick when Dahn’s dark growls enter the fray.

Yet barring the aforementioned exceptions and a somewhat more densely orchestrated atmosphere via semi-frequent keyboard employment, this is an album born of a straightforward formula. Sometimes the flavor of things veers a little closer to Dahn’s earlier tenure with Equilibrium like on the grandiose and high-octane “Flamme Der Revolution” and the folksy mid-paced crusher “Von Der Schenke Zur Taverne”, which prove to be two of the more distinct offerings of the bunch.

But for the most part, whether it’s streamlined riff machines with a melodic bent like the title entry “Harlekin Und Krieger” and the somewhat darker, mystical, and more war-like “Amenthes”, or overt throwbacks to the 90s Swedish melodeath craze in “Hey Sturm”, it’s pretty clear that Robse is playing in similar territory to the one that was occupied by At The Gates and In Flames circa 1995. That being said, this album truly hits its qualitative stride when merging this more traditional approach with the previously noted symphonic character of Dahn’s past work with Equilibrium, which comes to a head on the riveting and epic final hurrah “Viva La Caida”.

For a band that takes its name from its lead vocalist’s past with another group, Robse has done an impressive job of forging a distinctive identity. Fans of melodic death metal will recognize the familiar tones, but they’ll also find something refreshingly bold and adventurous here. The band deftly sidesteps the pitfall of becoming too experimental, avoiding the risk of alienating its core audience—a mistake that contributed to the mixed reception of Equilibrium‘s previous album.

Yet, what truly sets this band apart is its dynamic blend of somber and humorous elements, creating a listening experience that’s as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride. While the sound may still need some fine-tuning in future releases to reach its full potential, it already showcases a level of skill and confidence typically found in more seasoned acts. The theme of war, historically a serious subject that has nonetheless provided endless fodder for comedians, is cleverly transformed by this group into a compelling musical journey.

Released By: Reaper Entertainment
Release Date: August 16th, 2024
Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Musicians:

• Robert-Martin Dahn / Vocals
• Oliver Hay / Guitars
• Dennis “Blaze” Baron / Guitars
• Alina Lesnik / Keyboards, Vocals
• Marius Berendsen / Drums
• Marco Paulzen / Bass

“Harlekin Und Krieger” 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

Order “Harlekin Und Krieger” HERE