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Shadow Kingdom Records
by Craig Hartranft, 07.24.2012
I don't know where Shadow Kingdom Records finds these bands. Coven is an obscure band from Detroit that plays early heavy doom metal. Worship New Gods, from 1987, is their only release. Their singular claim to fame is a 'name' dispute with another Coven band from Seattle. Google it, and you'll find more info. Yet, recently the band has regrouped.
Worship New Gods is a rather dodgy album. The songs are interesting, diverse, and even entertaining, but the production sucks, pure low-budget basement work. But don't hold that against Coven.
This is classic heavy doom metal in its late Eighties seminal form. Coven borrows much from Black Sabbath as from Iron Maiden. They're equal to Candlemass or Mercyful Fate, but without the high pitched vocals. Press materials suggests some kinship to black metal, but that's simply a load of crap. Coven is melodic and heavy, sometimes epic and ambitious.
Worship New Gods makes you wonder what the band could have been with adequate production and promotion. Likely, something ingenious and successful, even in the underground market. Coven's Worship New Gods, while obscure and probably insignificant, reveals the best of the underbelly of American underground heavy metal from the Eighties. Easily recommended.
Coven's Worship New Gods, while obscure and probably insignificant, reveals the best of the underbelly of American underground heavy metal from the Eighties. Easily recommended.
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