The band, founded in 1988 by vocalist Paul Kuhr, blends many different influences in creating their unique sound. Mixing sounds from well-known British doom metal bands Anathema, My Dying Bride, and in some instances, Paradise Lost, Novembers Doom creats a very atmospheric type of sound, one which makes the listener feel a bit of sorrow and forlorn as Novembers Doom sings of matters that many of us have faced over time. The music, though not overly technical, though no doom metal really is, does its job and does it well. Perhaps the best part of the band is the guitarists, who along with the keyboards, are the main instruments in creating the sound Novembers Doom aims to create ,though not to take away from the bassist and drummer, who hold down the rhythm section very well. The vocals are really well done, and this is coming from someone who really is not into death vocals at all. To give some who are familiar with death metal vocals, Paul Kuhr has been compared to Mikael Akerfeldt, vocalist for the death metal band Opeth. Their similarities come in two distinct ways, one, they both growl in a very deep fashion, something most death metal vocalists do anyways, but what sets these two apart is the way they do their best in trying to make the lyrics understandable to the listener, something that doesn’t happen very often in the world of death metal. Many times when death vocals are used the lyrics sound muffled and understanding them is a task. However, there are no problems with that type of vocal here on this album. Song wise, there really is no let down song on this album. Though they have no real long songs like Opeth, this actually may be a positive thing, because the album never has a moment where interest fades or wears away. The band does a nice job of keeping songs long enough to fulfill technical qualities, but short enough to where one does not lose interest of the songs. Novembers Doom even mixes in some clean vocals as well as female vocals to give the music a further dimension. Songs such as “Not the Strong,” “Dark Fields for Brilliance,” “Broken,” and finally “Forever” are some of the bands highlight songs, all combining excellent guitar work and keys to help in creating a beautifully atmospheric album though don’t mistake me by thinking those are the only good songs, the whole album is excellent, those are just some of the songs that really stick out during a listen to the band. “Broken” is one of the songs where the female vocalist, Nora O’Connor, comes in along with Paul Kuhr’s clean vocals come in. The mixture is chilling with Kuhr almost talking in a foreboding way while O’Connor contrasts his vocals with a more angelic approach. Mix this with the darkness of the music and you got yourself a killer song. “Forever” is a nice change of pace song, with Kuhr singing only with his clean vocals. “Not the Strong” is perhaps the hardest most fast paced song with crunching guitars through parts of the song, but this quickly moves into a more melodic sound as the chorus moves in. “Dark Fields for Brilliance” is also a nice switch in that it actually begins with clean vocals and uses parts of the chorus in death vocals, while other songs on the album did the opposite, death first then clean, if their were any on that particular song, later on in the album. Perhaps the only fault in the album is that it is probably best heard when in the mood for this type of music. For me, this album cannot be heard at all times, and perhaps will hit more much better when one is properly ready for what is too come, if not, the music may come off as boring, though it really is not. Finally I must not neglect mentioning the excellent production from Grammy award winning producer Neil Kernon (Flotsam and Jetsam, Queensryche among others). He does a brilliant job in making every instrument audible and clear during the listen, without sacrificing the overall sound and tightness of the band itself.

So all in all, this album is essential for anyone who like doom metal with the death metal vocals added on top. Opeth fans should really enjoy this album a good amount, as they are the band that comes to mind first when hearing this album. Even prog fans may appreciate the bands creation of wonderful atmospheres in the music. Musically excellent in what they try to accomplish, and lyrically very emotional and from the heart this album is one of the top doom/death metal albums for the year. Check this album out you will not be disappointed.

9.0
(For what they do, they do it very well, and though I am not the biggest death metal fan, this album is one of the best I have heard in this genre.)


Review by Alanna Evans -

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