"The Covenant, The Sword and the Arm of the Lord" is the seventh studio album by the influential electronic band Cabaret Voltaire, released in November 1985 through Some Bizarre Records. The album's title was shortened to The Arm of the Lord for its release in the United States due to concerns over its association with a white supremacist group.
Cabaret Voltaire faced significant censorship challenges with their label, including objections from Virgin Records regarding the album's provocative content. The album showcased a more abrasive, sample-heavy sound than its predecessor, with lyrics rich in sexual innuendo. The inclusion of Charles Manson's speeches interspersed between tracks further stirred controversy.
Under pressure to produce a commercially viable single, the band cleverly released a music video for "I Want You," a track that Richard H. Kirk later revealed was about masturbation. This subversive approach helped secure the album's success, which peaked at number 57 on the UK charts, solidifying Cabaret Voltaire's relationship with Some Bizarre.
Despite this success, the band would later transition to EMI for their 1987 follow-up album, Code. The Covenant, The Sword and the Arm of the Lord remains a notable entry in Cabaret Voltaire's discography, reflecting their experimental ethos and willingness to challenge societal norms.
