Dark Covenant - Promo EP

During the early-mid 1980s, bands from England and the United States contributed much to the formation of Traditional Doom Metal as a distinct genre. In 1982, English pioneers Witchfinder General released their debut album Death Penalty. During 1984 and 1985, three American pioneers also released their first albums Saint Vitus released their eponymous album, Trouble released Psalm 9 and Pentagram released Relentless. The Swedish Candlemass would also prove influential with their first record Epicus Doomicus Metallicus in 1986. Traditional Doom was on a high at this point in history and then it pretty much died, thankfully a few bands like Solitude Aeturnus brought it back in the consciousness of Doom Metal fans but it has remained underground ever since but maybe that is about to change with bands like Dark Covenant. The genre needs a much needed boost and this is a band that could do just that, they have released a 4 track promo EP and it has all the trademarks of a classic Traditional Epic Doom Metal.

The band concentrates on classic Doom Metal subject matter like ancient mythologies, the esoteric and other epic themes but its not just the lyrical concepts that puts this band firmly in the "classic mold", its also the stylish, finely tuned musicians. The EP starts with "Forever Amongst The Ruins" that begins with a very "Candlemass" sounding riff capped off with the stirring vocal work of Vjohrrnt Wodansson who has a commanding thundering voice. The track has all the elements needed for a epic Doom track, great riffing, a acoustic interlude, double bass drum pummeling and some soaring lead guitar lines. Track two is no slouch in the epic Doom department either, its called "Black Sun Rising" and the crunching riff and melodic note runs would make Solitude Aeturnus proud. Once again there is more exciting lead breaks from guitarist Evil Lair and its quite obvious that this band takes their music very seriously as the musicianship is top shelf stuff. The band has playing in one form or another since the early 90's and it shows as their instrumental skills are excellent. "Black Sun Rising" is nearly 7 minutes long but it actually seems short as it is so well constructed in terms of arrangement. The song abruptly ends leaving you wanting more like there should be a part two to this epic tale.

Next up is "Perennial Solitude" and out of the four tracks, this one might be the best at showcasing the brilliant guitar work of both Evil Lair and JS. Both highly talented players who have a obvious flair for playing this genre of metal. The track like all the tracks are a finely tuned balanced between melodic Doom metal and technical ability without going too overboard in either direction. The final track is "Black Raven" and has one of the heavier riffs on the CD but its also combined beautifully with somber quieter moments that add to the intensity of the song. Like "Black Sun Rising" it has a un-expected ending which leaves you wanting more and also makes you wander if there was some music left on the cutting room when it was recorded. The fade out conclusion seems to be a after-thought but all the songs on here are the type of songs that could easily be extended into very long pieces of music. The band has a full length album in the works and is going to be one of the most eagerly awaited albums of 2010. Its not too often in the world of Doom you hear a band with this much musical ability seeing as the current Doom scene is awash with sludge, stoner riffing bands and you certainly don't hear guitar solos as good as this too often either. They are a band that will appeal to old-school Doom Metal fans and fans of Traditional Melodic Metal but i would hope all "Doom Fans" will take some time out to hear this band. This is only the beginning for the band but with material like this and musicianship of this quality, the future of Doom Metal is in good hands. Like it proudly states in the inside of the CD, "Face Your Imminent Doom". 10/10

www.myspace.com/darkcovenantdoom