Coven of Guilt (review)
A hypnotic masquerade of dark wave and the occult.
Score: 8/10
Genre: Dark Wave, Post-Punk, EBM
Coven of Guilt’s debut EP is a hypnotic masquerade of dark wave and related genres. Songs full of occult-themed imagery, cynicism, and brooding, all through a voice that pivots between a cold bass-baritone and bloody screams. Potent instrumentation — from punchy drums to mystique-laden guitars and industrial effects — sculpt five different songs with five different sounds, but they’re all equally dancey, visceral, and haunting.
“Soy culpa, Tú eres pecado,” Coven moans on the gothic brooder “Llama Invertida” that’s full of romantic and cosmic dread, setting the tone of what’s to come. The most beautifully scenic and swooning moments manifest in “Leave Everything at Home”. Then, Coven lets loose in the commanding grooves and strums of “Garden of Teeth”, while the fiery “Spit Mask” continues the intense trance with an EBM thriller. Coven saves their most cathartic for last in the one-two punch of “Room 209”, screaming incantations over techno bliss before switching to a stripped-down percussive finale, inducing a primal euphoria before an eerie silence releases you.
Coven of Guilt has the spark and insight to craft an impressive debut, but it’s also a testament to what these long-established styles can offer. It’s a great addition to the continuum of dark genres that the RGV fosters so well.
Score: 8/10
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