Benevolent - The Covenant - review
Benevolent - The Covenant - review
Tracklist
01. Void02. Asphyxia
03. The Seeker
04. Radiate
05. Illusion
06. Heathen
07. The Collector
08. Dissipate
09. Metamorphosis
10. Ascension
11. Rebirth
A review by
Troy Killjoy March 22, 2014
The Covenant is a diverse and forward-thinking amalgamation of complexity and melody. It also happens to be incredibly catchy in spite of its focus on the ambient side of things, thanks to the groovy djent influence. And while the atmosphere is on the more "warm and inviting" side of things, it's still upbeat, aggressive, and pretty friggin heavy. Not to mention the songwriting has improved greatly since their already impressive debut EP released back in 2010. And backing up all of this dynamic instrumentation is a combination of clean and harsh vocals, both of which are utilized perfectly throughout the album.
Of course, it wouldn't be prog without its technicality, but these guys incorporate their talented displays of skill within the progression of each song in a way that doesn't distract from the flow. They also don't bother with any 20-minute guitar journeys, which this reviewer appreciates greatly.
Andols Herrick (of Chimaira) did an excellent job behind the drum kit, another standout element of the band's sound. And the production isn't too crisp so that somewhat unrefined quality gives the overall mix a certain abrasive flair.
It's easy to point out aspects of the band's sound that can be compared to Dream Theater or Meshuggah, but Benevolent are far from being a carbon copy. This album has its own identity and is definitely one of the better albums to be released at this point in the year. It has all the makings of an album that will appeal to the entire prog fanbase as well as those who maybe don't often listen to this style of music.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 9 |
| Songwriting: | 9 |
| Originality: | 7 |
| Production: | 8 |
Written on 22.03.2014 by
Written on 22.03.2014 by
I'm total pro; that's what I'm here for. Comments
Comments:
11
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| mz
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| Posts: 21306 |
Posts: 21306 Written by [user id=110592] on 22.03.2014 at 01:05 Pretty surprised myself to be honest. It's not like I go around looking for this stuff but the few times I do listen to prog/djent it's not usually an experience I enjoy. Glad this one challenged my preconceptions.
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| JD
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Posts: 3099
I saw Nef's pick for this one but haven't had a crack at it yet. It seems that their choice for a band name reflects their atmosphere which you describe. I'm not the biggest fan of djent but this sounds like something I'd enjoy, thanks for the review, will check it out also.
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Posts: 103
Thanks for review Troy! i will check it... can't wait for that...
---- .:Saratan:.
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Posts: 11937
Glad to see you reviewing and listening to prog, Troy  Definitely interested in this.
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| Fredd
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Posts: 1418
Which is the reason some people hate djent? I found it nice and different
---- BARDS WE ARE, BARDS WE WILL BE!
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Posts: 6101
Troy positively reviewing a prog/djent album?! What has the world come to? Has hell frozen over? O_o That knowledge makes this album a mandatory listen. And then you indicated that Andols Herrick, one of my favorite drummers, is on the kit. That information alone makes it worthy enough to acquire without the standard YouTube pre-screen. I've been waiting for him to get back on the kit.
---- ~Zep, Former Database and Forum Moderation~ 
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| Posts: 21306 |
Posts: 21306 Written by psykometal on 27.03.2014 at 03:37 I even listen to this voluntarily after reviewing it. 
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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