NOVEMBRE – Materia

Summary

Peaceville Records
Release date: May 17, 2006

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Italian trio Novembre entered the scene of Atmospheric Metal during its infant stage, leaving the band with now more than a decade of participation in and influence on the genre. This year’s release, Materia, is their sixth in total (including the 2002 remake of their debut album), and their first with British label Peaceville Records.

The Music

Novembre has a dynamic and expressive sound, with roots in both Classical Music and Progressive Metal, as well as in Doom and Death Metal. The alternating English and Italian words are a trademark, as well, proving that quality Metal does not have to be in English only!

Materia is the band’s first effort on the Peaceville label, and should thus serve their musical intentions well. The music is still Atmospheric, with a solid focus on melody and harmony. Still thriving on their past in Doom and their fascination for Classical Music, the Progressive elements are toned down quite a bit. All in all, this serves their expressions well.

The album offers most of its highlights during the first seven tracks, perhaps in particular “Aquamarine”, “Jules,” and “Comedia.” After this, some of the spirit is lost, it seems. Still, both “Croma” and “Nothijngrad” have their moments of brilliance.

The Band

Formed by brothers Carmelo (guitars and vocals) and Giuseppe Orlando (drums) in 1990 (naming the band Catacomb, changing to Novembre 1993), they’ve had Massimiliano Pagliuso (guitars) onboard since 1997. Together, they have established a unique sound and in time taken good care of their ability to produce melodic and atmospheric moods with an unmistakably metallic edge. Worth mentioning is Carmelo Orlando’s versatile and expressive voice. It’s hard to imagine this band without him!

The Verdict

As far as atmosphere is concerned, Materia has a lot to offer. The alternating moods and language add to this with a very natural touch. The album also offers contrasts and dynamics enough to suit most followers of the genre, as well as other Metalheads. However, the first half of the album is far more interesting than the last half. Materia is an album for rainy days and starlit nights, most of all.

Novembre

Author

Frode Leirvik

Frode was a reviewer here at Metal Express Radio, based out of Norway. His headbanging experience started when his brother-in-law gave him Deep Purple’s Fireball at the age of ten. Since then, he has also been a fan of and active in several other musical genres, resulting in a deep and profound interest in music. Some of his favorites, among all of those who have somehow managed to tap into the universal force of Progressive Music are (in no particular order): Thule, Dream Theater, King Crimson,Pink Floyd, Rush, Spock’s Beard, Jan Hammer and Jerry Goodman, Ekseption, Focus, The Beatles, Deep Purple and Frank Zappa.
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