ALBUM REVIEW: I – The Forge – Crimson Coven

Bombastic traditional heavy metal stylings from Spain. Five-piece CRIMSON COVEN put the hammer to the anvil to forge their debut album.

Leaning into thematic dramatics for the building of an atmosphere. CRIMSON COVEN delivers a spoken word prelude before kicking off properly with the crashing Crimson Coven. This eponymous track picks up from the style laid out in the 0 – The Genesis EP and borrows heavily from notable NWOBHM artists. However, with a style that wears it’s influence proudly, the quintets own flare stops anything sounding overtly copy and paste.

At times, one might find themselves thinking, ‘I know this bit.’ Singing along to the memorable Lockheed Electra is simple as it takes on a very liner and literal framework. Parallels could be drawn from this to a certain Yorkshire based metal band. That is partially the trouble with a new band anchoring themselves so firmly in a genre that has had a litany of greats and notable acts making up its DNA. Influence can become imitation. The beauty of what CRIMSON COVEN have crafted though is a sound that may not be unique but is original. It’ll fit in with any denim and leather clad playlist seamlessly, but they won’t get accusations of plagiarism. Their musicianship and songwriting are stellar and worthy of note. Lockheed Electra is an absolute standout on this debut because of this.

There’s a chunk of anthemic moments to be richly enjoyed and soaring guitar lines worthy of dusting off the air guitar wherever one cares to look. However, this is still a band finding its feet. The Birth Of The Serpent and Children Of The Same Sun delivery on all fronts and showcase what CRIMSON COVEN are surely shaping up to be. Similarly Crowns Of Greed is far more than a glimmer of what might be. Twin guitar attacks lead the way and highlight the cohesive force that the band have already become in a short space of time. However, for the peaks, there are the troughs. They need not ham it up so much with the scene setting like the opening moment. But also, Unleash the Kraken takes the theatre of metal and turns it a bit pantomime. The fine line of parody looms dangerously into view. It’s only the searing guitars, and unified rhythm section that saves the album closer from undoing all the previous hard work.

Within the realms of traditional heavy metal, I – The Forge doesn’t break new ground. What it does do is deliver music firmly within that genre realm. Drawing influence from many of the big heavy hitters and metal masters, CRIMSON COVEN have released more than a simple imitation though. They can add their own take on things and while they take influence, they stand on their own merit. This is a debut album of solid presence and highly enjoyable throughout.

Rating: 7/10

The Forge is set for release on October 9th via Cruz Del Sur Music.

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