Covenant – Modern Ruin

The remarkable evolution of Covenant continues. Five years have passed since Skyshaper and in that time the band have been joined by the illustrious Daniel Myer. His input is like a shot of pure adrenaline in the group's jugular. What does he bring, you may well be asking. If you're listening for the trademark Haujobb discord then look elsewhere. Myer's all about finely honed songwriting and meticulous sound selections as a member of Covenant; it's like making the most polished diamond shine with an almost fluorescent quality.

I can only imagine how much time they spent writing and then re-writing each of these songs, the level of composition is insanely catchy. When Joakim states in the booklet that they are not the same people who made Skyshaper, he's not kidding. Eskil's not playing with his vocals, either. His delivery is the strongest I have yet heard from him and he's singing outside the safe norms of just a verse/chorus template.

If they had not made Skyshaper, they never could have done this. It used to be that you got a Covenant album and only had the beat and Simonsson's voice, but no more. Without doubt, this is their most fully-formed and musical album yet. Amazingly, there seems to be a sense that the men are only warming up with Modern Ruin. If this is what five years of work bring, I'd wait a decade for the next one (wink wink, Daniel). Beyond what could have ever been predicted, this is not the frail and resigned lot who almost retired with their last album. They're not pulling any punches.

Now back to those much feted 'glory days' of the 90s: if you'd have told me that this was what was to come, I'd never have believed. Kudos to the band, cheers and much success in the future. You certainly deserve it.