In the often male-dominated world of symphonic metal, Koburg stands as a dazzling anomaly. Emerging from Winchester, UK, this one-woman band is a force of nature, crafting every note, lyric, and instrument with her own hands. From the mesmerizing melodies of her critically acclaimed albums, The Enchantress and Position of Power, to her latest creation, her music is a cinematic experience. A seamless blend of the ethereal and the explosive. Now, with her highly anticipated third album on the horizon, she gives us a taste of what’s to come in her newest release, “This Game Called Love” EP, comprising two beautiful versions of the title track: the Transcendent and Twisted mixes.
Both versions offer a deep dive into the loud tides of love, lust, and longing — an emotional rollercoaster where vulnerability meets fury. Every line she sings feels like a punch to the gut, softened by the velvet of her symphonic instrumentation. Expertly mixed by Evan Rodaniche (Powerman 5000) and mastered by the legendary Ted Jensen, this EP reaffirms Koburg’s place as one of symphonic metal’s most compelling solo artists. Let me break it down to you why this EP is magnificent.
Starting with the Transcendent version of “This Game Called Love,” it opens with a supernatural elegance. The kind that beckons us into a shadowy cathedral where every note reverberates with otherworldly beauty. Her vocals glide through the atmosphere, shimmering with a soft edge, as though she recounts the intimate details of a love gone wrong while standing on the precipice of heartache. When she sings, “This Game Called Love / Is a Wild Wild Ride / You plague my existence / Like a thorn in my side,” her voice is both angelic and tortured, capturing the duality of passion — love as both ecstasy and affliction.
The instrumentation in this version is symphonic metal at its finest — lush, layered strings, ethereal synths, and heavy, yet restrained, guitars that build to a soaring crescendo. The contrast between the gentle verses and the thunderous chorus is expertly handled, allowing the song to swell like a wave, crashing into us with full force before pulling back, only to rise again. It’s a testament to Koburg’s artistry as a composer and performer.
If the Transcendent version of “This Game Called Love” is a dance in the light, the Twisted version plunges us into the shadows. The same lyrics take on a darker, more sinister tone as the production shifts towards something raw and visceral. Here, the guitars are heavier, the drums more aggressive, and Koburg’s vocals transform from angelic to commanding, almost commanding. The line, “Craving your touch in the darkest hours / Appetite ignites enough to devour,” is delivered with a ferocity that makes us feel the primal hunger and desperation behind the words.
This version leans into the industrial side of symphonic metal, with grittier production that complements the theme of emotional turmoil. It’s as if the very act of love has become a battleground, as Koburg earlier foreshadowed in the opening line, “My heart is a battleground / Love an act of war.” Her vocals in the Twisted version are more defiant, capturing the emotional tug-of-war between desire and self-preservation. The instrumental bridge features a guitar solo that is as scorching as it is brief — a flash of lightning in the storm that is this track.
Across both versions, Koburg’s vocal performance is breathtaking. Her ability to convey vulnerability one moment and raw power the next is what makes “This Game Called Love” such a compelling listen. She knows exactly when to hold back, letting the music speak, and when to let loose, tearing into the lyrics with an intensity that feels cathartic. Her voice possesses a haunting beauty that is complemented by her precise delivery, never overdone, but always emotive.
In the Transcendent version, her vocals are almost a whisper, pulling us in, while in the Twisted version, they are unleashed like a battle cry. The contrast between the two showcases her versatility as an artist and her deep understanding of how to manipulate tone and texture to fit the mood of a song.
The production of This Game Called Love is pristine, thanks to the expert work of Evan Rodaniche and Ted Jensen. Both versions are mixed and mastered to perfection, with every instrument sitting in just the right place. The symphonic elements in the Transcendent version are lush and cinematic, while the heavier, industrial textures in the Twisted version are gritty and raw. There’s a clarity to the production that allows Koburg’s intricate arrangements to shine without overwhelming us. The result is a classic and modern sound. A perfect reflection of Koburg’s ability to blend genres seamlessly.
Koburg’s “This Game Called Love” EP is a masterful exploration of love’s dark and light sides. Through her powerful vocals, intricate instrumentation, and haunting lyrics, she takes us on a thrilling and devastating journey. So, whether you’re drawn to the ethereal beauty of the Transcendent version or the raw power of the Twisted version, one thing is clear: Koburg is a symphonic metal force to look at, and “This Game Called Love” is a testament to her extraordinary talent. As she continues to work on her highly anticipated third album, “This Game Called Love” serves as a tantalizing preview of her evolving artistry. For now, let this EP be a gateway into her extraordinary world—a world where every note tells a story, and every song is a journey through the labyrinth of love and life.
Listen to “This Game Called Love” EP on Spotify
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