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COVEN JAPAN
Earthlings

No Remorse (2023)
Rating: 8/10

This debut full-length length album from Tokyo’s Coven Japan has certainly taken a while to emerge from the shadows. The band originally formed in 2016 as Coven but altered their name slightly in 2019. A cluster of demos, singles and EPs have been issued since their inception and now this record, Earthlings, has been unleashed and it’s not bad at all.

If you like high energy 80s metal via a cross between Loudness, Angel Witch, Tygers Of Pan Tang and Iron Maiden then you can’t go wrong with this. It certainly feels and sounds more authentic than a lot of the throwback bands doing the rounds. Opener ‘Land Of The Rising Sun’ has a healthy zip to its premise and reminds one of Maiden’s classic ‘Aces High’ song. In fact, the album is jam-packed with galloping rhythms which form a strong, steely sound that sizzles with a fiery aplomb.

At times this is borderline power metal, while at other moments classic New Wave Of British Heavy Metal at its stony heart, but the guts remain as the combo drives hard with each track. Vocalist Taka is no stranger to Bruce Dickinson with her soaring power, the duelling guitars conjure flashes of Mercyful Fate, and on ‘To Sanctuary – March For The Voiceless’ even melodious shades of Thin Lizzy shine through.

Earthlings is an addictive record inspired by anime, and one that successfully channels the smouldering essence of 80s heavy metal. Let’s hope Coven Japan receives the praise they so richly deserve for such a smokin’ opus.

Neil Arnold

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