Band:	Benevolent
Album:	The Covenant
Style:	Djent, Extreme progressive metal
Release date:	March 2014

01. Void
02. Asphyxia
03. The Seeker
04. Radiate
05. Illusion
06. Heathen
07. The Collector
08. Dissipate
09. Metamorphosis
10. Ascension
11. Rebirth

Cartographers take heed - Benevolent are here to put the Middle Eastern metal scene on the map.

The Covenant is a diverse and forward-thinking amalgamation of complexity and melody. It also happens to be incredibly catchy in spite of its focus on the ambient side of things, thanks to the groovy djent influence. And while the atmosphere is on the more "warm and inviting" side of things, it's still upbeat, aggressive, and pretty friggin heavy. Not to mention the songwriting has improved greatly since their already impressive debut EP released back in 2010. And backing up all of this dynamic instrumentation is a combination of clean and harsh vocals, both of which are utilized perfectly throughout the album.

Of course, it wouldn't be prog without its technicality, but these guys incorporate their talented displays of skill within the progression of each song in a way that doesn't distract from the flow. They also don't bother with any 20-minute guitar journeys, which this reviewer appreciates greatly.

Andols Herrick (of Chimaira) did an excellent job behind the drum kit, another standout element of the band's sound. And the production isn't too crisp so that somewhat unrefined quality gives the overall mix a certain abrasive flair.

It's easy to point out aspects of the band's sound that can be compared to Dream Theater or Meshuggah, but Benevolent are far from being a carbon copy. This album has its own identity and is definitely one of the better albums to be released at this point in the year. It has all the makings of an album that will appeal to the entire prog fanbase as well as those who maybe don't often listen to this style of music.