Search - Novembre :: Classica

Severely Underrated Melodic Death

The Wickerman | Austin, TX | 01/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are tons upon tons of talented bands in the melodic death genre today (Opeth, In Flames, Dark Tranquility, Children of Bodom, etc.), but one band in particular exists in virtual obscurity, having gotten none of the recognition that the aforementioned bands have. That band is Novembre, and having listened to this album, I cannot for the life of me figure out why this band has not gotten the attention they so rightfully deserve.This band is, quite simply, amazing. They have mastered the art of blending savage riffs with beautiful melody to a degree I could scarcely imagine beforehand. Carmelo Orlando is quite possibly the best vocalist I have ever heard, in any kind of death metal. His bloodthirsty growls and screams are a bit like a hybrid of the black and death metal style, and are fraught with emotion (something that many death vocals often lack). Coupled with this are clean vocals that are just stunning. They have an ethereal melodic quality that puts one in the mind of Maynard James Keenan, of Tool. Giuseppe Orlando's thunderous drumming is equally impressive. Speed, technicality, and impeccable double bass control make for an excellent backdrop to it all. The occasional keyboard (courtesy of Carmelo) pops up here and there, to enhance the atmosphere of the guitars. While the album does have a very melodic and melancholic feel overall, there is still plenty of blistering heaviness here. "Cold Blue Steel" is a fiery opener, and the only track to feature death vox. all the way through. "Onirica East" starts out soft and peaceful, but builds to all-out death metal ferocity by the end. "Nostalgiaplatz" and "My Starving Bambina" are more laid-back, with nearly hypnotic melodic vocals, and the two "winter tracks" ("Winter 1941" and "Tales from a Winter to Come") are a prime example of the brilliant melding of both worlds. "Foto Blu Infinito" is a nice instrumental, with acoustic guitars, and some cool fretless bass. Those are just a few highlights though, the whole album is amazing from start to finish.If there's one thing I can complain about here, it's the production. It's not a big deal most of the time, but a lot of the clean vocals are too quiet in the mix, and you almost have to strain to hear them. A pity, considering how incredible the vocals are. I have two albums from this band, the other being "Novembrine Waltz", and while it's not quite as good musically, the production is much better, and it really makes a difference. But, that complaint is a small one, as it doesn't detract too much from the greatness of the album.If you like melodic death metal in the vein of Opeth and Dark Tranquility, you definitely owe it to yourself to check this band out. They are definitely in the upper echelon of the genre, and they deserve more attention than they get."

Melancholic Aggression

Mattias Nilsson | Lund, Sweden | 04/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"
Slow-moving, melancholic guitars that makes you want to cry, and dragged-out screams and fast bass drums that makes you want to relieve yourself of that which you have tried to hide so deep inside.I knew I had to have an album with the band after seeing them live with Moonspell, Kreator, and Witchery, but I was wrong. I crave more."