Crimson Coven -0- The Genesis Review
Emerging from the fog-drenched tombs of Shadow Kingdom Records is a mysterious new force in Epic Doom Metal: Crimson Coven. True to their name, the band cloaks themselves in secrecy, with both the group and the label opting to keep identities in the shadows. And honestly, that’s just fine, so long as the riffs are righteous and the gloom is potent. Based on their debut demo/EP, "-0- The Genesis", I can confidently say: the storm has begun, and it sounds damn promising.
If you worship at the altar of riffs and crave Doom that leans toward the epic, Crimson Coven arrives with sword in hand and shield raised. When I first clicked play on this beast, I had to double-check that I hadn’t accidentally thrown on Candlemass, that’s how tightly their sound aligns with that golden age of somber heaviness. Still, scattered throughout are wisps of Solitude Aeturnus and the raw, arcane energy of Manilla Road, giving the EP just enough variety to keep it from being a carbon copy.
We’re only treated to three proper tracks here (plus a short, non-musical intro that adds little), but they hit with enough weight to make a mark. The opening cut, “Crimson Coven,” is a mid-paced bruiser, like a warship battling black waves under a thunderous sky. It churns with plodding, bone-heavy riffs and tasty lead fills that nod to classic Doom without sounding derivative. There’s an almost piratical vibe to it, not in theme, but in mood and motion. No, this isn’t Pirate Metal, but it rides the same stormy seas.
Next up, “The Born of the Serpents” (title quirks aside) leans more melodic and structured. The band flexes their songwriting muscle here, weaving in quieter, brooding passages that heighten the drama and let the chorus land with real impact. It’s cinematic, ominous, and executed with care.
Closing things out is the true gem of the release: “Unleash the Kraken.” At around seven minutes, it’s a sprawling, sea-crushing ode to the mythical beast and a masterclass in riff worship. Guitars rise and fall like tidal waves, building anticipation until the vocals finally surface. The song strikes a balance between epic storytelling and lumbering doom heaviness, with scorching guitar leads tearing through the murk like lightning bolts. It’s the type of song that sticks with you, echoing long after the final crash.
If there’s a flaw to be found, it’s in the vocal mix, which is sadly too low, often buried beneath the instrumental thunder. That said, the spirit and craftsmanship on display more than make up for it. In today’s oversaturated metal landscape, Crimson Coven feels like a much-needed ritual in the old ways, a return to slow-burning power and atmosphere.
“-0- The Genesis” drops as a 12” vinyl this August via Shadow Kingdom Records, and you can already stream the whole thing on their Bandcamp page. Don’t sleep on this. If you crave authentic Epic Doom, then Crimson Coven just might be your new high priest.