Release Date: December 30th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD
Harbinger - Tracklisting
1.December Sun 06:25
2.Harbinger 04:59
3.My Time Has Come 05:48
4.Eternal Seeker 07:48
Members
Jan - Guitars and Vocals
Jassik - Drums
Zimbo - Bass
Review
Harbinger is the latest EP from Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metallers Covenaut and it’s their first release in almost a decade with the band offering a tighter, groovier and sludgier sound compared to their 2016 record Doomed To Live. The sound is dominated by an aggressive Garage, Grunge and Punk Rock environment which gives the band a trippy Psychedelic sound which allows their cool sounding melodies to be quite vibrant, uplifting and melodic despite Jan’s gruff vocals adding a fine metallic sound.
Opening song December Sun allows Covenaut to play a riff-centric sound with Jan’s vocals setting up the scene for a thrilling modern day sound that adds a level of gritty realism into the mix. Though, the main strength for this track and the EP is Covenaut’s expert Psychedelic delivery which aligns them closer to the likes of Howling Giant and King Buffalo in places but with a heavier Groove/Sludge Rock sound that develops constantly throughout the track. If you’re a fan of HARK, KYLESA and HIGH ON FIRE then this track will seriously impress the hell out of you.
Second track Harbinger operates with a more ice-cold Doom Metal flavour with small flashes of fuzzed up and aggressive leaning Sludge/Stoner Metal attitude. This song takes time to fully find its momentum with Jan’s vocals once again aiming for a harsh and gruff delivery. Covenaut moves between slow-to-mid played melodies to a heavier pissed off sound. Covenaut adds layers of distorted AMPLIFIER FEEDBACK with a menacing Doomed Out Atmosphere which sometimes crosses over to the extreme side of things with Jan’s vocals becoming extra violent along the way.
Third song My Time Has Come continues with that violent Doomed Out attitude with a WEEDEATER and ELECTRIC WIZARD influence appearing with Covenaut still adding slightly mellow WEEDIAN grooves behind the scene. The song may not be the most original but Covenaut plays with great technical ability and shows small amounts of intense Psychedelic and Fuzzed Out delivery.
The final track Eternal Seeker allows Covenaut to add a certain level of gloomy surroundings into the music which can be quite dramatic and over the top. However, the sound is quite grounded with lots of fuzzy manipulation with the LOW & SLOW melodies that appear within the earliest stages of the track. Jan’s vocals are superbly efficient by adding areas of HARSH textures with Jassik (Drums) and Zimbo (Bass) creating a formidable rhythm section for Jan’s guitars to destroy everything in their wake.
It’s to Covenaut’s credit they show a great style of violent melody which holds a few hidden surprises along the way. A great musical solo is never too far behind to impress listeners with. Harbinger is a great EP for Covenaut to announce their return to the underground scene with. Hopefully there won’t be a long wait for their next release as I want to see what the guys release next.
Words by Steve Howe
Links
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