Koburg is an ambitious and talented symphonic metal artist based in the UK. As a one-woman band, she handles all instrumental and vocal duties herself, producing dynamic and intricately layered compositions in the symphonic metal style.
Still early in her career but already garnering praise, Koburg has been featured on BBC Introducing as well as acclaimed rock radio stations like Kerrang! Radio and Planet Rock, and has accumulated around 8k monthly streams on Spotify. Live, she performs as Of Koburg & Kin with a supporting group of musicians, but in the recording process, all instrumentation, arrangements, and vocals are solely her work. It takes fierce musical ability, work ethic, and creativity to wear so many hats yet still craft cohesive, professionally produced symphonic metal.
Fans have been gasping for new music from ethereal metal singer KOBURG. With the new captivating single/EP “This Game Called Love”, the wait is over. The two-track “This Game Called Love” shows Koburg experimenting with dreamy and heavy sounds alike but held together by her bewitching vocals.
We start with “This Game Called Love (Transcendent Version),” leading off the EP. As the name might suggest, this take on “This Game Called Love” whisks one away to another realm of mystical romance. The song is calm, with guitar notes that drift around Koburg’s exquisite lyrics, painting a scene. Her voice floats through the air with an otherworldly ease, as if ferrying a message from the stars. The subtle polyrhythmic drums maintain a grounded sense of motion in the transcendent atmosphere. Layered guitar work swells, but keeps chill, like a sunset. It is easy to get lost in the magic of this transcending track.
There’s also a “Twisted Version” of the song “This Game Called Love” for a different take, included on this EP. Sure enough, as Koburg bends to more metal sonic territories, she doesn’t forget her melodic sensibilities. Anchored by a heavy guitar riff, it sets a heavy mood right off the bat. When her vocals come in over the pummeling drums, they take on a new captivating quality under the weight of the distorted guitars.
Heavy music is not less artistic or melodic; it drives the emotion of the song differently. Koburg shifts between the vocals to amplify the dynamics. Solos blaze through the thick mix at key moments. It is a moving reinvention of material that will satisfy fans looking for an edgier approach. Both versions are well-produced and mixed, demonstrating the talents of Koburg.
I’m so glad I finally took the plunge and listened to Koburg. This EP was the perfect introduction for a new fan like myself to absorb both sides of Koburg’s artistry. As both a fan of experimental metal and heavy sounds, it was like all my wishes were fulfilled at once.
Following the worldwide critical acclaim that she won with her first LP, Koburg shows that she is an absolute exception in metal circles today. “This Game Called Love” proves that even within established styles, she continues to grow as an artist who dares to experiment. Repeated listening to her latest EP release will satisfy appetites and keep the surrounding buzz of metal’s most intriguing figures going.