Released by: The End Records
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Death Doom
Links: https://www.facebook.com/NovembersDoom1989
Line up
Paul Kuhr – Vocals
Lawrence Roberts-Lead and Rhythm guitars
Vito Marchese – Lead and Rhythm guitars
Michael Feldman – Bass
Garry Naples – Drums
Tracklist:
01. Bled White
02. Heartfelt
03. Just Breathe
04. Scorpius
05. Unrest
06. The Memory Room
07. The Brave Pawn
08. Clear
09. The Grand Circle
10. Animus
11. The Silent Dark
Formed in 1989 in Chicago, Novembers Doom have maintained a constant presence on the underground scene providing their morose death metal style. This is their 9th full length release and it takes no prisoners from the first notes. Opening track “Bled White” kicks in with double bass and before long is joined by the deep growls of Paul Kuhr. Before long the vocals switch to a melodic almost choir like chanting not unlike the style that Enslaved are associated with.
The band switches effortlessly between these vocal styles throughout the record whilst maintaining the heavy basis of the songs. The musicianship is outstanding; guitarists Larry Roberts and Vito Marchese are both masters of their art pounding out doom riffs, set against a background of death metal. “The Memory Room” brings about a shift in style to a more modern death doom with a clean vocal throughout and a use of individually picked notes which induces a sinister atmosphere. The production on the album is big and brash with great tone which gives all instruments room to breathe and showcases their individual contribution to the overall sound. The final track “The Silent Dark” begins in total misery before picking up and produces a sense of hope before descending into darkness complete with more growls, this song showcases Kuhr’s full range as a singer.
To release a record this solid so far into a career is a rare occurrence nowadays and certainly will prompt new comers to search out the older albums to see where this band have come from and indeed to see what they can serve up in the future.
Written by Dave Macculum
Ratings Dave 8/10
About Author
