Customer Reviews

Northern Light

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm still fairly new to EBM and industrial music so I don't have much to compare this to but I definitely recommend it. At first I was a little reluctant to take a chance with this particular album because of all the negative reviews it was receiving at the time, but now that I have it I'm feeling a bit perplexed as to why so many people dislike it? I do notice more positive appraisal on it now though, which I'm very happy about.

'Northern Light' is my introduction to the Swedish group Covenant, which I bought close to a year ago, and I haven't grown tiresome of it yet. In fact, every once in a while when I go through my older CDs and indulge myself with this incredible record, it's as if I'm re-discovering it because it sounds like the first time all over again so I'm very relieved to have ignored the ones discouraging me to buy this. I honestly don't fathom the problem here but my guess is maybe those people don't like a strong sense of atmosphere associated with the heavy beats that are just shy of techno because many of these songs flow at a moderate pace instead of pounding insistently, and some even feature string orchestrations. Because of the initial assumption of devoid sentimentalism, many think industrial music is empty in the way of emotion but the well-written lyrics, as well as Eskil Simonsson's voice, which reminds me of a cross between VNV Nation's Ronan Harris and Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan, is thick with feeling, and the melodies are hardly vacant with cold, monotonous rhythms. I for one am very impressed with this album and will someday look further into Covenant's plethora of releases (most of which garnered better praises than this). Maybe then I can understand the disappointment more clearly.

It's a close call because they're all really great but my favorite tracks include: "Call The Ships To Port", "Bullet", "Invisible & Silent", "Prometheus", and "Scared".

When "Northern Lights" was first released, I began hearing its name with negative connotations almost right away. Everything from a "mediocre album with filler tracks" to "they need to return to their old form" seemed to echo through many a person's sentimentality, making me stop and question if I should actually break down and buy the album. Added to this were doubts I had because I'd glanced a tiny portion of the "Bullet" video from a source that did it no justice (I should have gone to Metropolis), making me wonder what this offering entailed. Still, having listened to them through the veritable seasons of change they had undergone going from the sounds of "Dreams of a Cyrotank," "Sequencer," and the wonders of "Europa," to the more mainstreamed "United States of Mind," I really didn't mind them changing directions once more. Everytime they had done so previously, the EBM pulses that drove the much were still very much active, the lyrical content of the albums and the voice that Eskil throws into the sometimes moody undertones all remained active. So, conquering my fear, I purchased this release.

Well, the new album was something of a shock to hear, moreso because of the Depche Mode-like change in the way they approached their songs than anything else. This wasn't a bad alteration, mind you, because I found it growing on me with every listen, but it was something different that I had never heard them do before and, at first, I wasn't sure what to think. After foraging through tracks with interesting notions on how to cultivate songs and flavors, though, I found myself listening on and liking it. And really, what's not to like? There's a little bit of something for every sensation-seeker, from the driven pulsation of "Call the Ships to Port" and "We stand Alone" to the slower songs that still keep a fair tempo like that produced on "Bullet." Combined with that are the truly odd yet captivating portions, like that found on "Prometheus," a song I find myself liking more with each listen.

For fans of an older flavor of Covenant, be warned that this is something different in the works. While there are tracks that still bear the signature of the same band stamped into their beats, there are others that will be something foreign and, to some listeners, perhaps even unappealing. To find that out, one simply needs to listen to the portions provided here and also to the other pieces that Metropolis grants. Simply do so with a mind ready to sample something different from them, though, and you'll find that it grows on you.

Sweden's Covenant has built its dark reputation on a mix of EBM hard beats and deep, slightly monotone yet dramatic vocals-think Sisters of Mercy or Clan Of Xymox .Covenant is one of the few futurepop/EBM/new industrial/whatever-you-wanna-call-it bands that have stomped their way into the hearts of goth fans and rivetheads alike .The beats are relentless but not militaristic. There's more melancholy than machine here because Covenant is willing to take their time to establish a mood rather than spewing out the thundering distorted vocals and repetitive rhythms that often turn other bands in this genre into trance gone evil.

Therefore, it's not surprising that Northern Lights, their fifth full effort, is inching closer and closer toward dark electronic stalwarts like Depeche Mode than ever before. The album opens with Covenant's familiarly cold synth style, but on "Bullet," Eskil Simonsson softens his voice and this new vulnerable approach adds an attractive depth and humanity to Northern Lights.


They continue to draw out more organic sounds from their electronic bag of tricks with bits like the underlying hint of bongo-type drums on "Rising Sun," piano-esque elements on "Bullet," and the choir-like backing vocals of "Invisible and Silent." These things lend a thoughtful, if not morose, quality to this record. With many slower songs, Northern Lights isn't just meant to get boots stomping around the dance floor. These guys can emote when they darn well feel like it and the music doesn't suffer. VAST is a decent comparison point.

Longtime fans have hurled complaints ( when do they not complain , really...??) that this CD is too soft, that the band has abandoned the hard beats that made them EBM favorites, but this friendlier synthpop side is what I like about it. Not to say it's all lonely slow-jams (well, as slow as you can get with this sort of thing): "We Want Revolution" is a smash-it-up riot act. "Call the Ships to Port" is classic Covenant, synths sailing over a relentless beat. And the oddball dichotomy of disco-happy beats and the repeated refrain of "I feel so scared/I feel so sad" makes "Atlas" a bizarrely danceable draw as well.

Covenant are together with VNV Nation and Clan Of Xymox one of the few leading innovating acts in Europe. Their latest album made for Sony sounds more polished than for example Sequencer ( which is my favorite one). This album contains jewels like "Call the Ships to Port" or "We Stand Alone". The lyrics are intelligent , the music catchy and work really well on the dance floor. I can understand thatsome people like the more raw approach and recordings but it does not take away the fact that this album is one of their finest to date. I have read they left Sony and will soon release a new album on a independent label, so I guess their raw sound will return. I have no fear that yet again they will deliver the goods.

If I were to die a slow death I'd have this cd on(along with Type O's October Rust and The Cure's Faith album). It is so much more mellow than their other dancier stuff which is still good. This album for some weird reason makes you feel emotional, and thats amazing. I dont give a rats ass about the whole standard of EBM/ synth bands...Covenant, among many others are bad ass. Songs on this cd that are must listens are Monochrome, Call The SHips To Port, Invisible and Silent, Bullet, and my favorite Covenant song ever Winter Comes. Buy this album if you are into mellow but somewhat brooding music with a sharp edge. This album is flawless and is one that cannot be worn or tired of. Buy it and just be happy you own a piece of musical artistry.

I listened to 'Northern Light' and was instantly impressed. 4 of the best Covenant songs feature on this album and they are 'Call The Ships to Port', 'Bullet', 'We Stand Alone' and 'We Want Revolution'. Not only do these songs have great lyrics and are sung greatly but they have a great dance to beat, techno and trance easy. The first song 'Monochrome' begins slow and slowly through the song, the beat builds in intensity and tone reaching a chorus. Released in 2002, 'Northern Light' gained Covenant more fanbase around the globe.

Two other promising songs that were experimental were 'Invisible&Silent' and 'Rising Sun'. Basically there is no bad song on this album. I have read previous reviewers and cannot understand some of the bad reviews levelled on this album. This was the first album, the talented trio signed with and many fans saw this has a traitorous move against the deep seated independent roots. Alas, Covenant have remained true to their beginnings and have only modernised their unique music sound that is changing with the times.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this album and this CD has become a popular listening CD for me and my friends. Well worth the purchase for any devout Covenant fan to add to his or her collection.

Many fans misunderstand what Covenant has been trying to do for the past several years and have dismissed this album and "United States of Mind" as not living up to previous standards. Well they couldn't be more wrong. The truth is that these last 2 releases are the best they've ever made and have expanded in ways both refreshing and necessary. Why necessary? For an example of an electro industrial band that stayed the course a few years too long check Wumpscut - formerly one of the greats of the scene (and rightly so), :W: made the same album for so long that people, including major fans like myself, just stopped listening. Covenant faced a similar fate of becoming redundant with their illustrious past. They chose to move on at the risk of offending old fans. Good move. Don't get me wrong, `Sequencer' is a masterpiece of hard electro, but when it's time... it's time.

"Bullet" may be the best song they have ever written. With its mid-tempo beat, percolating synths and focus on the vocals & lyrics it reminds me most of "Like Tears in Rain", my personal favorite from USoM. These 2 songs are the signature tracks in Covenant's new sound, foregoing the harder edge of past anthems like "Stalker"

"Prometheus" and "Atlas" are similar tracks, both minimalist musically and featuring literary references to mythical heroes. The sweeping, shifting tones and Eskil's voice take front stage, backed by original-sounding, but less pummeling, beats. "Invisible & Silent" is another where the hardness is gone but the edge is still sharp, just in a different way. The angst still remains but it is muted by understanding and an emotional maturity not present before. "Winter Comes" fits in this mold too, and gives off an appropriately wintry chill. These offbeat tracks grow on you a lot, though they will throw you off at first much in the way th songs like "Pikachu" or "Rebel" sometimes catch Apoptygma Berzerk fans off guard. Fans should also consider this, VNV Nation is moving in a similar direction, think "Carbon" or "Airships", and their next release may be more in this vein than in the "Praise the Fallen" vein. In short, get used to it - the bands have moved on while you're standing still waiting for the next floor-filler - well maybe that's what Icon of Coil is for.

"Call the Ships to Port" is the link between the old and the new, more of an old-time floor-packer than the others. The beat, especially on the single version, is absolutely crushing. Eskil's voice is cold and distant as are the electronics. The song matches the album's title and cover art with its frozen feel. Toward the end the coldness melts away in a passionate blaze as the beats and vocals climb in intensity. This is the song that will appeal most to old-schoolers who dislike the changed sound; I'd strongly suggest the beat-heavy single.

"We Stand Alone" starts as a moderately paced song but ends more like a traditional Covenant single like "Call the Ships to Port". It could have been a single. Those with short attention spans might check out since the pace doesn't pick up for a couple of minutes. You really have to be careful of doing the quick scan on new Covenant albums as songs often don't reveal their true nature until later. Maybe this is what annoys some people, however the more patient will end up preferring the new style.

Perhaps the band themselves sum it up best in the zippy "We Want Revolution": "We want revolution, constant evolution." Clearly the band wants to constantly evolve and stay fresh; maybe some of their fans don't feel the same. I think Covenant is right.

As always, even better than the last!

Disgruntled 'Sequencer' fans prove that this release is ready for a much wider-reaching audience who is appreciative of fresh and current songwriting, not one blinded by pigeon holes filled to the brim with the same tired sounds.

For people familiar with previous Covenant releases the initial impression of Northern Light is a mellower feel. Despite that, a majority of the tracks are quite danceable. Overall there is a good variety in tempo. Lyrics are as well written as on previous albums but are noteably warmer and more intimate - an interesting foil to the wintery Northern Light concept. Everyone has their own tastes when it comes to vocals but, in my opinion, Eskil Simonsson's are unparalleled.

I hope that this album and the handsome trio behind it get the exposure they deserve, especially in the US... it's about time.

This is the most exciting new album to be released this year. Covenant continue to further their sound with "Northern Light" which includes dancefloor-style tracks they are known for, but also slower, extremely poignant (and dare I say, sad [but in a good way]) songs that could lead you to melancholy ("I am silent/invisible to you" - haven't we all felt this way?). The entire album is a musical piece in itself, something which is difficult to accomplish. Being a person who continually listens to compilations and/or selects "random" on the CD player whenever I throw a few discs in, I can say that finally I can listen to an album (this one) in its entirety without growing bored. The power and the strength that Covenant exude is absolutely magnetizing. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to attend a live show of theirs can recall how not only uplifting, but energetic, and simply amazing, their stage presence and show is. Their concert experience is one that I never want to end.

I recommend this album to anyone who enjoys depth, creativity, poignancy, and sweeping emotion. The album cover art just adds to the music contained on the disc. Cold, raw, icy and supremely gorgeous, it makes you long to feel the frost in the air and discover the winter beauty of Covenant's homeland of Sweden.

This is a solid album from beginning to end. It has almost no filler. Be warned: it has to grow on you a little. This album doesn't jump out and grab you on the first listen like United States of Mind did. It is far more subtle, and its sound could be compared more closely to Violator-era Depeche Mode than Covenant's older style. Northern Light is aptly named: a dark, lonely aria of ebm.