By Tom Sundgren – The Italian gothic doom/death metal legends are back after a 9 year semi-hiatus of new music or news they still existed. Words of Indigo portrays depth, precise song writing, and dynamics. Upon first listen, the album may not fully resonate but one or a dozen times more it ultimately shines as their timeless classic to date.
If one is not familiar with the band, they could be compared to as a similar sound to Opeth, Katatonia, or Anathema. But still with their own shade of gothic prog and just own stamp in general. Novembre also maintains more death metal and aspects of doom metal which previous bands mentioned do not or do very little nowadays.
Original member and vocalist Carmelo Orlando’s signature clean vocals radiate with more variety and range on the album than ever before. His high and low screams exhibit immense power on majority of the tracks as well.
Although there was a departure of integral band member Massimiliano Pagliuso on guitars, the Novembre root sound remains and carries momentum for new avenues. Members Fabio Fraschini on bass and Alessio Erriu on guitar have been a part of the band in some shape or form for years now. Their newer members Yuri Croscenko on drums and Federico Albanese on guitar completes the new official lineup.
All members are extremely talented in their own way and compliment the Novembre recipe so well. A very prominent aspect for Words of Indigo is how the song structures are very progressive. And most tracks are well over the 5-minute mark. Though it does not feel as if you are listening for a long or drawn-out length of time at all. The layers, sequencing of riffs, leads, solos, and verses all flow so seamlessly together.
On the song “Statua” there is a unique formula to where it comes off as almost two songs in one. But the switch up that occurs is natural for the Novembre soundscape. So many times, throughout their career, they hone in on music key changes in their songs but portray it so effortlessly.
The song starts out as a relatively straight forward prog metal tune but eventually rolls into more nuances and then goes to a piano part with Orlando’s vocals. Then at the 4 minute and 40 seconds mark, the key changes half way through the vocal melody and a wave of melancholy bliss washes over.
“Brontide” is another notable number on the album. A varied and tasteful guitar solo occurs towards the beginning of the song with huge bends at the 2 minute and 3 second mark that strikes the soul.
Towards the middle of the song, a slower clean part with a catchy chorus like vocal pattern occurs slowing down the tempo. But then the song picks back up with groove and death metal vocals to push the song in a new light yet again.
One of the more special tracks for the album would be “House of Rain” which is accompanied by guest vocalist Ann-Mari Edvardsen from the band The 3rd and The Mortal. The tone from Orlando and Edvardsen’s duo gives a whimsical gothic and epic feel overall. There is a dramatic bridge part to it that adds depth and then the ending of the song creates an even more mystical approach to the band’s catalogue.
Another notable thing about Words of Indigo is the great musician and producer Dan Swano produced this album. He has worked with the band ever since beginning of their inception. All instruments come in crystal-clear, well-balanced mix of tones, and makes the many layers obtainable to the ear without strain. Honestly probably one of the best mixes for an album to date.
Bassist Fabio Fraschini throughout the album stands out. His own lines accompanies the guitar riffs wonderfully and just opens up more “straight forward” riffs as well. He is a huge part on the atmospheres and build-ups and resembles Mike Starr from Alice In Chains in some ways.
The most outstanding, catchy, and beautiful track of the album would have to be “Post Poetic”. The song structures being incredibly impressive was one of the first things that came to mind. A particular metal band like Novembre having a chorus at the very beginning of the song is rare and it is also a sneaky tactic to keep the listener coming back. There are many directions in “Post Poetic” but the way they design and construct the chorus to come back towards the end of the song is unbelievable (in a fantastic way).
The song just feels so inviting, celebratory, and heart warming with a great conclusion to the album. First listen it resonated and a re-visit felt necessary right away.
The last track of the album “Onde” would be the most emotional and deep one. It’s a short one but has strong theatrics that tunes you in and grasps the depths of the soul. Orlando’s vocals are mournful and sort of mid end that he does so well but then he goes high with a falsetto, heightening the soundscape even more.
If these are qualities you appreciate in your metal, then Words of Indigo is a must-listen. Out today November 7th on Peaceville Records, order your physical copies here- https://usa-peaceville.myshopify.com/collections/novembre
Score: 10 out of 10
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