Ark of the Covenant - Separation EP

Artist: Ark of the Covenant
Album: Separation EP
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Label: Strike First Records

The Northeast has been one of the country's best places to find both bigger and smaller heavy bands as of late, and coming out of the area is the Connecticut-based Ark of the Covenant, the newest addition to the Strike First family. Blending together elements of hardcore, metalcore and a small amount of death metal, Ark of the Covenant pack in a bunch of brutality in the 13 minutes of Separation.

The songs on Separation don't show much variety, and a few have similar sounding intros. "The Introduction" is a minute long intro that launches with a deep, throaty growl, that reminds me of Brook Reeves from Impending Doom. "The Book Of Life" sounds a bit thrashy, but unfortunately seems to drag a bit. A bit of variation is shown on "All the Inhabitants of the Earth" when some clean vocals make an entrance, among some nice guitar work and breakdowns, while a more direct hardcore influence comes into play with gang vocals on "Locusts Look Like Horses." Perhaps the highlight of the EP would be the closing "Separated." The song is mostly spoken word and contains relaxing, ambient guitar work and drums, that build up into a worshipful ending of praises to God that state "You're the only One who matters."

Overall: Strike First Records' newest band, Ark of the Covenant, have welcomed listeners to their music with the five song Separation EP. The metal that Ark of the Covenant play mixes together elements of thrash, hardcore, metalcore and death metal on Separation, of which are displayed in the wide range of vocals from frontman Alexander Vincelette and bassist Daniel Graves. The lyrics also have one focus, which is on God, and the EP even ends on a worshipful note ("Separated"). The EP is not without flaws however, including a rawness of vocals and similar sounding song structures, but Ark of the Covenant certainly have the time to really polish their sound.

Rating: 5.5/10

Tracklisting:

1. The Introduction
2. The Book Of Life
3. All the Inhabitants of the Earth
4. Locusts Look Like Horses
5. Separated

(Buy Here)