A Strike First Records release you know the deal, Christian music at its finest. Ark Of The Covenant is their name and the Separation EP is their game. If one is familiar with bands such as Creations, or sadly the poop fest that is The Great Commission, then as you know breakdowns are the key component here.

What do Ark of The Covenant do different then the other bands in this genre? Nothing really, in fact these kids play the same sounds one has heard a million times before. But you know what? These kids play it with style and even though the main riffs are breakdowns, they seem to add a less preachy approach coupled with a heaviness that rips bands such as Emmure into pieces. Maybe it’s the more hardcore touch or the sense of dread (yes some parts are down right frightening). All I know is Ark Of The Covenant are here to destroy.

On the Separation EP we get a total of five tracks to hold us over before the full length eventually drops. “THIS IS THE END” whispers front man Alexander Vincelette at the beginning of the intro and he couldn’t have been more correct. A breakdown complete with chanted vocals starts the ep and it’s ridiculously brutal. Intro’s are pointless yet when a breakdowns fills in that void intros instantly become awesome.

“The Book of Life” is a more hardcore varied track with breakneck rhythms and huge chant filled breakdowns. The hardcore approach is prominent in this track. Sure the song title could be equated to the bible, and bring forth a preachy aspect but in all honesty Christian music can’t be Christian unless it preaches what they believe. At least they don’t get all The Great Commission on us and make pointless go nowhere songs. One can feel their faith even those of us that don’t believe can find solitude here.

“All The Inhabitants of the Earth” is the heaviest track on this disc and contains thoughtful lyrics and great clean vocals towards the end. This is also where things get scary. Midway through a melody flows underneath that gives off a depressive outlook and then the riff that follows over the breakdown will send chills screaming through one’s body.

Thrash riffs follow suite in “Locusts Look like Horses” right before an almighty breakdown at 2:40 that will have one shitting their pants. The last track as well as the title track follows a simpler approach. “Separated” is an ode to their god, they speak for their faith and they’re not trying to convert anyone. A softly spoken speech starts the track and then eventually the band comes together and presents us with great clean vocals and a nicely sung verse. Sure the satanic metal head will feel nothing but for those with heart one can relate even if the said lyrics are not of one’s liking.

Ark of The Covenant play Christian music with heart, they show us that one doesn’t need to preach, they speak of their relations through personal experience and bring a more suitable nature of Christian hardcore to the masses.

 

[Visit the band's website]

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