Covenant Modern Ruin

Introducing Covenant would propably be of no use to our readers.Mainly because Covenant have managed to establish their name by releasing a series of masterpieces in the past.This fact alone,artistic success that is,assured them a place among the leaders of today's future pop/synth ebm genres.

Having said that,it is quite obvious that every new release of them creates grandiose expectations among the fans of these scenes.Since there is no way to deny the influence and artistic merit that this band have provided as a sonic platform through all those years,the only question that would need to be answered regarding this project is simple:do they still possess the same quality as before?A fine way to answer this almost rhetorical allegory would be this new release.

"Modern Ruin" could certainly be regarded as a new chapter in Covenant's career.It marks a new beginning for the band altogether,since they have recruited a new member:Daniel Myer,a transfer from Haujobb.Perhaps this gives a needed kick to the band,who happen to show signs of new breeding here:"Modern Ruin"is indeed better than "Skyshaper",their previous album if you didn't know.There is enough variety to satisfy all ebm fans inside here:some dance-floor tracks but mostly mid-paced,atmospheric songs.In fact one could find a handful of stand out tracks within:"Lightbringer",which also happens to be the first single off this album showcases a combination of great vocals,nice melodies and a steady,slow building rhythm,the overall essence of which brings to mind a certain 80's flavour."Judge Of My Domain" on the other hand is carefully balanced on the verge of a constant,pulsing bass line and a dancing,almost euphoric beat,topped by addictive,repetitive voices.A special mention should also be made for "The Beauty And The Grace".Here,melancholy takes hold and the trio unleashes a sound wall of menacing beauty,based on persistent beats and lunar melodies.Another excellent track that immediately caught my attention is "The Road",which fittingly closes this album.A somewhat different experience:an elegeiac,dare I say cinematic song which captivates Covenant at their most fascinating,sentimental and obscure moment altogether.Having said that,it should also be noted that there are 1-2 tracks here that don't share the same level as the aforementioned ones.But as a whole,"Modern Ruin" is a very good effort that would easily satisfy all of their fans,who have been waiting for no less than 5 years,for a new Covenant studio release.In plain words,it might not be their best release to date,but it still manages to impress me quite a lot.Recommended.

Tracklist:
1)Modern Ruin
2)Lightbringer
3)Judge Of My Domain
4)Dynamo Clock
5)Kairos
6)The Beauty And The Grace
7)Get On
8)Worlds Collide
9)The Night
10)Beat The Noise
11)The Road

7.5/10  Isabelle S.