This isn't a new The Kovenant album but a re-release of their debut album "In Times Before the Light". It's mainly Norwegian melodic black metal with some cool atmospheric ideas. Synth parts were re-recorded, but unfortunately guitars and vocals are original (they're quite harsh sounding). Originally this album was released in the fall of 1995.

Songs are quite diverse in terms of different sound layers. All of the songs have little bit of industrial vibe. In addition they have symphonic orchestral arrangements, harsh distorted rhythm guitars and vocals. Overall songs have quite good even quality...

The distortion on guitars and vocals is too harsh, but otherwise the sounds are quite felicitous... The synth sounds are great (afterall they were re-recorded). So the production is ok except for the guitars and vocals. It's a shame, because this album has good relistening value, but the sounds are too harsh for me to enjoy this album fully.

If you're a fan of norwegian melodic black metal and aren't put off by the harsh sounding distorted guitars and vocals, this album is for you... However, I recommend listening before buying as the sounds are quite harsh (the guitars and vocals were recorded in 1995). If I was to ignore the harsh sound of vocals and guitars, I think this album is quite good black metal album.

Release date: 20.09.2004


- MAGE (11.09.2004)

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LINE-UP:
Icon, Lex: Vocals & Drums Coma, Psy: Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Programming Bogus, Sensei: Additional Bass & Programming
Producer:	originally the Kovenant, re-produced by Boge, Björn; Bogus, Sensei & Coma, Psy
Mixing by:	Unavailable
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Towards the Crown of Nights 02. Dragonstorms 03. The Dark Conquest 04. From the Storm of Shadows 05. Night of the Blackwinds 06. The Chasm 07. Visions of a Lost Kingdom 08. Through the Eyes of the Raven 09. In Times Before the Light 10. Monarchs of the Mighty Darkness