Brimstone Coven – Brimstone Coven

Since forming in Wheeling, West Virginia in 2011, retro-rock/doom metallers, Brimstone Coven, continue to develop their personal fusion of “Dark Occult Rock”.  Up ‘til now, Brimstone Coven has been busy, with scores of shows, a couple of album releases (with drummer, Dan Hercules, joining the band before the release their second album, sardonically titled “II”). Oh, and let’s not forget a coveted signing to Metal Blade Records!

But, with the original drummer Justin Wood now returning to the quartet, Brimstone Coven are starting afresh with their self-titled, new release – a hefty combination of their re-mastered debut EP, along with 10 new tracks.

As expected, the new album offers a traditional track menu typically associated with the “dark arts”, and even to the uninitiated there is an immediate, obvious and familiar recognition that the inspirations behind the band’s own creative style are founded on classic outfits such as Black Sabbath, Pentagram, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. It’s a little like meeting someone for the very first time, but feeling you knew them from somewhere before.

The opening track is “Cosmic Communion”, and is filled with gutsy, Sabbath-esque tones and riffs. However, whilst preserving the vintage rock sound, Brimstone Coven add their own psychedelic, groovy elements and provide us with something that would have gone down a treat back in the 80’s at Woodstock.

“Behold, the Annunaki” continues with the deep groove, psychedelic vibe from the opening track, whilst adding catchy, solid riffs and simple drum beats that work incredibly well to create a strong blend of dark, smoky cult rock before escalating and ending with an energetic crescendo. Whereas “The Black Door” takes a very different turn, with amazingly mastered “robotic-sounding” vocals and a sludgy, doom riff that provides a strong, catchy rhythm, creating an ethereal sound. This track is by far one of the best from the album.

“The Grave” shows the band’s Pentagram influence, and features clear production which really emphasises their retro/doom/rock sound. The groovy bass-lines and solid guitars and classic solos combined with soft, somewhat-psychedelic, vocals really gives an interesting edge to this song. “The Séance” is another great track from the album, filled with catchy Sabbath-like riffs and keeps to the distinct psychedelic feel behind this release. “The Folly of Faust” is the longest track on the album (a mighty 7 minutes and 6 seconds!!) and really shows Brimstone Coven’s doom-metal side in all its glory. With solid sludge-ridden guitar-work, groovy but deep bass tones, echoing solos and mournful vocals, brings the album (slowly) to a brilliant end.

The bonus tracks on this release features the band’s first EP and kind of shows the bands progression. The sound is a lot less clean in comparison, but in a quirky way, this adds a vintage element to the bands’ heavy retro-rock/doom sound. “We Are Forever” and “Children of the Sun” are fast-paced with upbeat rhythms, catchy vocals, riffs and drum beats, which when combined with some old-school sounding solos, create a couple of good rock-orientated tracks. “Son of the Morning” takes a more blues-rock approach, with wonderful mellow vocals, brilliant bass riffs and a foot-tapping groove. This song features an incredible groovy guitar section that really adds something fun and different to the track’s slower sound.

Overall, the new release is full of epic moments and occult-y moods, and by combining elements of retro-rock, doom and providing soft undertones of psychedelia, Brimstone Coven bring us their unique Dark Occult fusion – and damn, they are good at it!

The newly packaged and mastered set 17 tracks will serve as a solid introduction to Brimstone Coven for new and old fans alike. This album is excellent for what it is and is a good addition to the retro-rock genre.  Released 5th August via Metal Blade Records

Track List:

1. Cosmic Communion

2. Behold, the Anunnaki

3. The Black Door

4. Blood on the Wall

5. The Grave

6. Lord & Master

7. Vying

8. The Séance

9. Hades Hymn

10. The Folly of Faust

11. Intro (Bonus track)

12. We Are Forever (Bonus track)

13. The Ancients (Bonus track)

14. Son of the Morning (Bonus track)

15. Lost in the Odyssey (Bonus track)

16. Children of the Sun (Bonus track)

17. Outro (Bonus track)

Line up:

“Big John” Williams – lead vocals

Corey Roth – guitar, vocals

Andrew D’Cagna – bass, vocals

Justin Wood – drums