Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Harkon | Love And Vore | Doc Gator Records


Release Date: October 31st, 2025
Format: LP/CD
Genre: Progressive Metal/Hard Rock
Country: Germany

Harkon, hailing from North Rhine-Westphalia, have been brewing their brand of heavy, melodic metal since 2019, when they first drew attention with the EP “Ruins Of Gold.” Now, after years of refining their sound and playing shows, their debut full-length “Love And Vore” finally lands, bringing together their technical side and their melodic instincts under a strong production team. Recorded and mixed by Cornelius Rambadt and mastered by Dennis Koehne, the album sounds massive and balanced, with every element sitting where it should.


The eleven songs here form a consistent and colorful mix of power, melody, and narrative. “Double Down” hits with driving energy and catchy hooks, while “Blood Will Have Blood” stretches into mini-epic territory with dynamic shifts and tension that rises naturally. “The Errorist” adds an emotional punch, showing that Harkon can move from aggression to reflection without losing direction. Their songwriting is detailed, with solid riffing, expressive vocals, and arrangements that keep the listener interested from start to finish.

Björn Gooßes’ vocals have power and character, moving between grit and melody. The guitars of Volker Rummel provide a constant interplay of rhythm and lead work that brings the songs alive, and the rhythm section of Marcel Willnat (bass) and Lars Zehner (drums) gives the album its pulse, tight, muscular, and dynamic. The production enhances this sense of balance, giving the music depth and punch without blurring its edges.


The album’s presentation also deserves mention. The visual concept, designed by frontman Bjorn under his Killustrations moniker, fits perfectly with the music; vivid, dark, and imaginative. There’s a strong sense of identity here, sonically and visually, and it helps Harkon stand apart from countless other melodic metal acts.

“Love And Vore” is a debut that proves Harkon’s long preparation was worth the wait. It’s melodic but never sugary, heavy without drowning in distortion, and progressive without getting lost in technical showmanship. The album’s flow and consistency make it an enjoyable listen for fans of intelligent heavy metal with heart and punch. This is a band with vision and skill, delivering an album that sits comfortably among the most engaging modern heavy metal releases from Germany.

Score: 7.5


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