A superb release.

Denmark's Anubis Gate have been quietly beavering away behind the scenes at Prog Metal Central for some years now. Their first album, 'Purification', was released back in 2004, although the band themselves have been around in one guise or another since 1984. Since that debut, they have continued to release (on a regular basis) dark, clever and very enjoyable Prog Metal albums. With 'Covered In Black', I firmly believe they've produced their most melodic and accessible record so far (though I'm not sure the band would agree with this).

It is an album built upon a central theme, one which deals with how people get into dark, emotionally-challenging places in their lives and minds. So, whilst there is a lot of melody floating around the music, the lyrics themselves are quite challenging indeed, though the album is all the better for it.

This darkness is ably shown off by opening cut 'Psychotopia' with its hard riff, mournful lead vocal and dramatic keyboard refrains. This song gives you an insight into what is to come over the next hour, and whilst musically demanding, this offering (and, in truth, the same could be said of all the other tracks) goes to show just what a great and underrated band Anubis Gate truly are. Other songs I'd highlight would be the hard-hitting, guitar-led 'The Combat', the broodingly brilliant 'Too Much Time' (which has a terrific hook), the juxtaposed 'A Journey To Nowhere' (with its melancholic music and upbeat vocal lines) and the sweeping and beautifully arranged 'From Afar'. The latter sees vocalist Henrik Fevre, Kim Olesen on guitar and keyboards, Michael Bodin guitar and Morten Gade Sørensen on drums play out of their skins to make this album close with style; something you'll remember long after it has finished playing.

Yet another band who have the songs, talent and ability to go far, and yet for some unknown reason, they remain a band that has, at this moment in time, only built a cult following amongst those in the know. With this superb release, maybe that is about to change - I hope so!

Ian Johnson