Hailing from South Australia, Covenant rocked onto the Melodic Power Metal scene back in the early 90,s. Covenant plays 80's era Power Metal in the veins of bands like Dokken, Whitesnake, Steelheart, and the Scorpions.
Cassette Demo Cover
In 1993 Covenant released their one and only studio recording which was a 5-track EP cassette demo titled 'Fall Of Rome'. Within the local Rock scene, the band received a good response to their tight arrangements, professional live performances, and their original sound. Their demo was produced at Mixmasters' 24-track Studio with a good final production for a demo recording which allowed it to sale out quickly for the band.
However, like many other Melodic Metal bands, Covenant members went their separate ways and were not heard from again as the 90's Grunge scene took over. Vocalist-Graham Billing went on to join Virgin Black and also fronted the Canadian band - Omega Crom. From there, Wayne went on to front the band - Sonic Divide who recently supported Stryper. Bassist-Graham Billing appeared on the Virgin Black demo and went on to engineer, record and tour extensively with Virgin Black for the Requiem Trilogy.
However, like many other Melodic Metal bands, Covenant members went their separate ways and were not heard from again as the 90's Grunge scene took over. Vocalist-Graham Billing went on to join Virgin Black and also fronted the Canadian band - Omega Crom. From there, Wayne went on to front the band - Sonic Divide who recently supported Stryper. Bassist-Graham Billing appeared on the Virgin Black demo and went on to engineer, record and tour extensively with Virgin Black for the Requiem Trilogy.
2018
In 2018 Covenant's 1993 release 'Fall Of Rome' was re-issued and re-packaged with new album cover art along with the bands 5 original tracks. This 2018 re-issue would not be possible without Soundmass Records taking the time to excavate this rare gem from the depths of the labyrinth of christian Metal music.
The remastiring really helps to bring out the strong vocal work of frontman-Wayne Holden. Wayne really captures the energy of the 80's on this release with a performance that is second to none complete with soaring vocals and all the right hooks that one would expect to find from the golden era of music.
Guitarist-Mark Czora lights up the fret board throughout this project with some driving power riffs. On the instrumental track-3 we find Czora flexing his muscles and showing his prowess behind the guitar.
"Killing Time"
And suicide is not the way to happiness
But solitude is hell
In my hour of madness
God has heard my cry
I close my ears in silence
But still he speaks inside
Unrelenting pressure needs undeserving grace
And the fool blames God for his own mistakes
"Bleeding On The Inside"
Like a landslide you hit the floor
Seeing all the wrong you’ve done before
In your sorrow you confess your heart
Christ has given you a brand new start
Now she sees what you’ve become
For all the pieces are
Coming back together
Nothing more to make up
Nothing more to say
You’ve learned to love
In a different way
And suicide is not the way to happiness
But solitude is hell
In my hour of madness
God has heard my cry
I close my ears in silence
But still he speaks inside
Unrelenting pressure needs undeserving grace
And the fool blames God for his own mistakes
"Bleeding On The Inside"
Like a landslide you hit the floor
Seeing all the wrong you’ve done before
In your sorrow you confess your heart
Christ has given you a brand new start
Now she sees what you’ve become
For all the pieces are
Coming back together
Nothing more to make up
Nothing more to say
You’ve learned to love
In a different way
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
If you are into bands like Whitesnake, Neon Cross, Riot, Armageddon, Hero and Malachia then you are going to love what these Aussies from the land down under have offered up with 'Fall Of Rome'. If you love the retro Classic Melodic sound of the 80's to early 90's then you are in for a treat here with this Molten Metal release by Covenant. This listener would love to see the band enter the studio once more. We can always hope right?
Album purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Wayne Holden - Lead Vocals
Mark Czora - Guitars
Graham Billing - Bass
Chris Yeend - Drums & Keyboards
Additional Musicians:
Ruth Wanless - Flute
Wayne Holden - Lead Vocals
Mark Czora - Guitars
Graham Billing - Bass
Chris Yeend - Drums & Keyboards
Additional Musicians:
Ruth Wanless - Flute
