Anni Funk In a thunderous return to the metal scene, Robert-Martin Dahn, known as Robse, emerges from the ashes of Equilibrium with his new band ROBSE. Their debut album, “Harlekin und Krieger,” set to release on August 16th via Reaper Entertainment, promises a sonic assault that melds epic melodies with brutal intensity. Robse’s unmistakable growl, backed by a powerhouse ensemble, is poised to ignite stages and ignite the passions of metal enthusiasts worldwide. This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a revolution in sound, forged in the fires of experience and tempered by an unwavering love for the genre.
When asked about the inspiration behind forming ROBSE, Dahn’s response resonates with the raw energy that defines the metal community. “I love music, the stage, and interacting with fans,” he declares. “The fans have always been something very special to me. It has always been wonderful to see how – thanks to music – one becomes a significant part of their lives and accompanies people through all stages of life. Music has been with me for a very long time too and is simply irreplaceable. Now, having a band with great friends and being able to write and perform the music we want is a great feeling.”
The band’s name, ROBSE, carries a weight of familiarity while signaling a new chapter. Dahn explains, “We didn’t want to reinvent the wheel, so we decided to keep a name that some people were already familiar with. We considered other names, but none of them felt right. It’s important to note that this is not a solo project, but a complete band. We make decisions together and write music together. We are all ROBSE.”
Describing the sound of ROBSE, Dahn emphasizes the collaborative nature of their creative process. “We are a group of six individuals who collaborate on writing music. We value every idea and encourage each member to contribute their creativity, resulting in songs that are varied in style,” he elaborates. “Our approach is to forge a unique ROBSE sound that draws from a wide range of influences. At the same time, we aim to honor those roots by incorporating elements that remind us of early Equilibrium. This includes utilizing German-language vocals and crafting memorable melodies, often highlighted by keyboard arrangements.”
The album title, “Harlekin und Krieger” (Harlequin and Warrior), holds deep significance for Dahn. He reveals, “Life in all its facets definitely plays a role here, and the lyrics describe me and my life path very well. That’s why I chose the title ‘Harlekin und Krieger’. The Warrior represents all the challenges one experiences in life. It embodies strength, resilience, and the determination to overcome obstacles. On the other hand, the Harlequin is a reminder that despite everything, one should not lose their lightness and joy. It symbolizes the importance of maintaining a sense of humor, playfulness, and the ability to find happiness in the little things.”
Reflecting on the milestone of releasing his 30th work in his discography with this album, Dahn expresses profound gratitude. “I am deeply honored that along my musical journey, I’ve had the opportunity to make numerous guest appearances with bands I cherish, in addition to contributing to the albums of the bands I’ve played in,” he shares. “However, it is all the more special that album number 30 now comes from my own band, featuring my own lyrics.”
ROBSE’s sound is shaped by a diverse array of influences, ranging from In Flames and Immortal to Amon Amarth. Dahn elaborates on how these influences manifest in their music: “Everyone brings different influences, so there should be something for fans of every metal genre. For example, our guitarist Ölle Hey is a big ‘In Flames’ fan, which is evident in his songs. Dennis ‘Blaze’ Baron, also guitarist, brings a dose of death-thrash, and Marius Berendsen, our drummer, adds black metal influences. Combined with my deep, mostly German-language vocals, this creates our epic melodic death metal, our ROBSE sound.”
The first single, “Harlekin und Krieger,” showcases the band’s diverse musical palette. Dahn explains the intentional variety: “Since we are six different individuals with diverse musical tastes and everyone is involved in the songwriting, we didn’t want to steer the ROBSE band in a specific direction. Instead, we create music that we all love and feel. I myself have an equally diverse taste in music. Just as diverse as the harlequin and the warrior themselves, the album reflects a variety of themes. From lighthearted drinking songs to profound messages, all the way to a cover song for peace featuring our guest vocalist ‘Stumpen’ from Knorkator.”
Fans of Dahn’s previous work with Equilibrium can expect to hear familiar elements in ROBSE’s music. “There will definitely be elements that resonate with the old sound of Equilibrium, especially through the highly diverse keyboard arrangements and German-language vocals,” Dahn confirms. “Alina’s additional vocals also bring out folk pagan vibes distinctly. However, we do not commit ourselves or forcefully add anything; instead, we decide based on each song when it feels right to incorporate epic elements.”
Anni Funk The formation of ROBSE was a carefully curated process. Dahn recounts, “Early on, I realized that I wasn’t ready to step away from the world’s stages and wanted to continue with my own band. The first person I reached out to was my long-time friend and current drummer, Marius Berendsen, and we began sharing our initial song ideas. I greatly value his talent for creating catchy melodies with a brutal sound.” He goes on to describe how each member was selected, emphasizing the importance of musical compatibility and personal connections.
Each member of ROBSE brings unique qualities to the project. Dahn praises his bandmates: “The bite on Ölle’s guitar and the audible influences from In Flames are absolutely amazing. Marius’ ability to create huge radio hits that still remain absolutely brutal is his strength. Dennis and Marco’s teddy bear-like personalities create a continuously positive and enjoyable atmosphere, even in the most uncomfortable situations. And Alina’s gentle voice and talent for writing highly melodic songs make her unique and essential for the ROBSE sound.”
With nearly three decades in the metal scene, Dahn’s approach to music-making has evolved significantly. He reflects, “It is important to mention that I am completely captivated by the metal scene in all its various styles, but I have never boycotted other music genres. Bands like Depeche Mode and A-ha are as indispensable in my collection as good old punk rock. When you keep your musician’s ear wide open to the musical art of the world, you can compose without bias and not get stuck in your own universe. Being open while making music means you can do whatever you want, and the fan will hear that in the end. It never gets boring.”
Preparing for ROBSE’s live debut at major festivals, Dahn draws on his extensive touring experience. “In my new band, I also have super professional and passionate musicians by my side who master their instruments and bring a lot of joy,” he says. “Before the first festivals, we practiced together to strengthen the band feeling even more. I was less familiar with this from my time with Equilibrium, as we all came from different federal states and sometimes even different countries. Going on stage feels like coming home. Therefore, I am rarely nervous, but rather excited, and try to calm the nerves of my bandmates, who have comparatively less experience on such big stages.”
“Harlekin und Krieger” reflects Dahn’s personal growth since leaving Equilibrium. He shares, “Everything feels fresh and incredibly new. For the first time, I am almost entirely in the director’s chair at the forefront, and I have finally rediscovered the joy in music that a passionate musician should have. The Harlequin and the Warrior were my refuge during the difficult time of separation, my musical and friendly support in the scene, and the crazy start to a new life with incredibly talented musicians, as well as old and many new fans. This adventure feels amazing, and the new ROBSE-baby grows day by day.”
The album explores various themes and messages through its lyrics. Dahn explains, “The album was originally intended to be a concept album, but when it came to writing the lyrics, I didn’t want to limit myself. Instead, I allowed the impressions of the different melodies to guide me, resulting in each song standing on its own. Life in all its facets is a significant theme, and the lyrics reflect my journey and personal experiences very well.” He goes on to describe specific songs and their meanings, highlighting the diverse emotional landscape of the album.
The writing and recording process for “Harlekin und Krieger” was a collaborative and exciting experience. Dahn recounts, “The creation of the Robse songs was incredibly easy and adventurous. The fact that we are six songwriters, all coming from different genres, made the process incredibly exciting. When it became certain that I had to leave Equilibrium for further development, I didn’t hesitate for a second and immediately wrote to Marius. Within a day, the first song ideas came in, and I was thrilled.” He details the recording process, praising the contributions of each band member and the production work of Dom R. Crey.
As the interview concludes, Dahn sends a heartfelt message to long-time fans and potential new listeners: “It is an honor and a great joy for me to continue being with you. This journey is far from over, and I am sure that you will enjoy ‘Harlekin und Krieger’. I look forward to seeing you live again. Retirement is for the old – we are now on the offensive.” With these words, Dahn sets the stage for ROBSE’s explosive entry into the metal scene, promising a sonic experience that honors his past while boldly forging a new path forward.
