Romania’s Kratos may not have the biggest discography to explore. Their only full-length album Looking Behind the Mirror was released in 1999. Following that success, they set their sights on touring, and in between that time and now, they only released three singles. Arlechino is the second album from the band that was released back in May, and with my current busy schedule, this yet is another overdue review.

When I go about finding something interesting to cover, names of bands can resonate with me, such with the name Kratos. Now don’t go thinking this is some God of War inspired band, but if you’re looking for something symphonic, dark, and gothic in sound, Kratos will surely hit your sweet spot. The opening track Arlechino begins with carnival like keyboards, but the music shifts to a heavy and dark nature. The music overall has a pretty hefty sound, hammering down with big riffs, but in the same dark corner, the keyboard plays a great role in casting a shadow over the turmoil.

There is a good balance between the death growls and female lead vocals, which do a nice job in making the music catchy and very attractive. The symphonic elements really shine with this band as well, especially with one of my favorite tracks Inner Chaos. It may not be at the height of such bands as Nightwish, but it is no less theatrical and grand in scope. Three Times in a Lifetime is another solid example where the band balances well with their symphonic and heavy sound. Generally, this song has a good deal of aggression, but in between, the orchestral and gothic elements come in and steal the show.

Though I never became acquainted with their first album Looking Behind the Mirror, Kratos’ second full-length release is a symphonically splendid and theatrically dark album I am very happy to have stumbled upon.