Swedish electronic band Covenant may not be widely known in the USA, but they have been making energetic, intelligent EBM (Electronic Body Music) that has won them a throng of fanatic fans across the world. To those fan's delight, Covenant takes pains to show their following the same level of appreciation and intelligence that they are shown. With this album, United States of Mind--released in the United States on the very EBM-friendly label Metropolis Records--they stand a very good chance of enlarging their audience on this side of the pond.

Unlike Sweeden's more commercially successful exports of pop and metal music, there is nary a guitar in earshot. This is a strictly electronic album, yet they keep the arrangements fresh and the textures diverse enough to keep the music engaging to even fans of guitar rock (although guitar purists would obviously find little to bang their head to). The songs range from jumpy, energetic stompers like "No Man's Land" (think Underworld) and "Dead Stars" that are geared towards filling the dance floor, to more thoughtful, atmospheric pieces such as "Still Life."

Sometimes, however, the music and lyrics do not seem to mesh. The song "Helicopter," for example, attempts to describe the exhilaration of a childhood helicopter ride, but sets it to slow, monotonous tones. Another lyrical mismatch is "After hours," a lite S&M romp that echoes Depeche

Mode--who themselves investigated S&M territory in song. Depeche Mode, however, made their own S&M songs moody and gritty ("Master and Servant," "Strangelove"), where Covenant instead chooses to emulate the more bouncy, synthpop Depeche Mode songs.

Perhaps the sonic and lyric mismatch is intentional, and indicative of their sense of humor; the last track on the album is called "You can make your own musik" and consists of four and a half minutes of silence. Get it? You can make your own music for this track--amusing and clever, huh? Perhaps they think it's the cleverest thing in the world, every time they put the CD on. Personally, I thought it was funny the first time I realized it, and after that, it was simply waste space at the end of the disc. Your mileage may vary.

Overall, however, the albums weaknesses are far outweighed by it's strengths. This album is sure to be a favorite of both old and new Covenant fans, and perhaps win some new fans for them as well. If EBM is your thing--or if you'd like to give it a try--United States of Mind is a good album to give a listen.