Covenant “In Times Before The Light”
Mordgrimm , 1995
Lord Pale :
Norway’s Covenant features Nagash ( Dimmu Borgir/The Kovenant/Troll/Carpe Tenebrum ) on vocals/drums/synths , and Blackheart on guitar/bass/synths . Covenant play raw , cosmic blackmetal with mid to slow tempo guitars and drumming and some of the most bombastic spacey keyboards of the time . The guitars are drenched in fuzz similar to Satyricon’s first two releases , and Nagash’s drumming occasionally recalls Frost’s only much slower . The vocals are the typical early nineties snat that is prominent in the mix of the album , but also varies to a deep narrative voice on songs like “From The Storm Of Shadows” and the excellent “Through The Eyes Of The Raven” . Another interesting thing about the vocals is the melody lines that Nagash uses , sounding unlike most blackmetal bands ( see “Dragonstorms” ) . The production unfortunately is rather shabby , but this also lends this album a darker feel . Overall a great disc .
Favourite Tracks - Through The Eyes Of The Raven ; Dragonstorms ; Towards The Crown Of Nights
Mark - 8/10
Covenant “Nexus Polaris”
Nuclear Blast , 1998
Lord Pale :
Nagash and Blackheart have recruited Hellhammer ( Mayhem/Arcturus/The Kovenant ) on drums , Sverd ( Arcturus ) on synthesisers , and Astennu ( Dimmu Borgir/Carpe Tenebrum ) on guitars to record this disc . The improvements are immediately noticeable , firstly the production is of an excellent standard this time around . Other changes brought about by the new members include the superior drumming of Hellhammer and Sverd has added his own orchestral flourish to the keyboards . The guitars are much further from blackmetal this time consisting of mainly heavy rocky riffs that flow with the music nicely . Nagash’s vocals have also improved vastly now he has given the blackmetal snat some personality , pronouncing some of the lyrics more powerfully to a bombastic effect and occasionally even shrieking . All this combined with excellent timing changes, female backing vocals , and acoustic intros make this one of the best blackmetal styled albums around even though its not as extreme as most . The lyrics are very cosmic and suit the sound and artwork of the album which is all of a high and professional standard . This is one of my favourite albums ever !!!
Favourite Tracks - Chariots Of Thunder ; Bizarre Cosmic Industries ; Bringer Of The Sixth Sun
Mark - 10/10 |
