Majestic melodic metal…interesting! To simplify the term: take the fundaments of black metal, add some symphonic elements, death metal influences and a prominently present keyboard that - for a change - does not fuck up the sound. Spice it all up with some odd-sounding noises here and there and you surely get a well-balanced mix that will certainly appeal to people who like black metal but still think the genre lacks enough diversity. To them I can say: try Illnath!

 

Although I’m not too familiar with the above mentioned bands I certainly hear some CoB influences in the music. I think it’s mainly the vocals that remind of that. Another thing I like are the tempo changes. Sometimes the songs slow down a little with a, most of the times, nice riff before bursting into some faster-paced action again. Gives you a little space to breathe without constantly being ‘forced’ to listen to this kinda depressing style of music.  

 

All in all Second Skin Of Harlequin is quite a nice album. I can’t say I’m really stunned by it, neither will I listen to it very often in the future but that’s really just a matter of taste. Add up to the music that there’s very nice artwork included and I think this is an album worth checking out for people that like above mentioned bands/styles. Two thumbs up for Illnath!