COVENANT SYNERGY - LIVE IN EUROPE LIVE ALBUM DEPENDENT, SUBSPACE COMMUNICATIONS, PLAYGROUND RELEASE: NOVEMBER 27 (GAS), DECEMBER 4, 2000 (SCANDINAVIA) REVIEW: DECEMBER 27, 2000

They are the band every electro fan loves. Me included. Covenant has yet to compose something that lacks nerve and genuine intensity. They aren't really a synth band per say, I've heard more than one comment claiming they sound like "spaced out techno with vocals" or "synthpop from hell". They do combine many elements, and that makes them stand out as the great band they are. Techno, synthpop, club EBM or house, Covenant have touched them all, but never failed to transform it into a Covenantish, deranged, yet pleasant soundscape.
"Synergy" was recorded in Germany during their last European tour and it's surprisingly good for a synth live album, mainly due to Covenant's overwhelming on stage energy and sound depth. And though the live versions of the fourteen tracks included are similar to the studio takes, Eskil Simonsson deserves a great amount of credit for his ability to vary his vocal performances.
"Synergy" is what became of the plans to release a best of album, and if you're thirsty for hits you're lucky. "Tour de Force", "Feedback", "Dead Stars", "Stalker", my personal favourite "Wall of Sound" and "Tabula Rasa" are only some of the golden moments displaying the patented Covenant magic. Brilliant.
The limited version of this release comes with a live video, with eight different songs. A plus for including different songs on the video than on the disc and the interesting interview clips of the band in the dressing room telling personal stories or just goofing around. The production of the video is very professional, with new angles integrated in the usual "standing on stage-audience hysteria" routine.
Try to find the limited 4000 copy edition if possible, but the independent "Synergy" disc will more than satisfy you if you don't.

NIKLAS FORSBERG