Novembers Doom - Major Arcana
Novembers Doom is a melodic doom/death/dark band from Chicago, Illinois who formed in 1989 as Laceration before changing to their classic moniker in 1992. Unless I’m mistaken, they are one of the longest running doom bands from America still active today. Their latest album, “Major Arcana,” is their twelfth full-length album. They are also one of my favorite bands so I feel a little guilty reviewing this but good music is good music and I definitely don’t feel guilty for that!
The band isn't a stranger to line-up changes, but it has been solid for a good while now and that is something I love to see. Larry and Vito's guitars are on point, as always and they can play whatever the songs need. Mike's bass and Garry's drums are a solid rhythm machine, capable of supporting their teammates but stepping out beyond the box as well.
The album begins with the intro track, “June.” As far as this type of song goes, it works well within the context of the album. It features both heavy and light piano tones and Paul’s clean vocals, acting as a short representation of the overall sound of Novembers Doom: heavy and light.
The title track arrives soon after–it gets straight to the point with a solid melancholic riff against a bed of double bass. It is immediately evident that Paul is going to give one hell of a vocal performance…and he definitely does just that. In fact, I’m going to say something that I am 100% firm in my belief of: this album is Paul’s best vocal performance. Deep cleans, emotive yells and death growls are his weapons of choice and few in the scene today weld them as effectively. The song churns and burns with both fast-paced riffs and more atmospheric notes, creating an intense opening song.
“Mercy,” takes a step back, opening with clean instrumentation and vocals. It’s immediately captivating and feels like the perfect song for the upcoming autumn weather. It’s a slow burn, which as a doom fan is exactly what I want, but there is a tone of energy in the instruments and it’s impossible to deny Paul’s performance. The solo near the end is utterly fantastic, a stellar way to cap off the song.
“The Fool,” brings the album back to the heavier side and it’s evident how strong the dynamics of the album are, and how well they remain as I get deeper into the album. “Major Arcana,” really does have something for everyone and it is a solid look at where the band is today in their modern area. Paul’s death growls/snarls are vicious; I’ve always thought he had one of the best extreme vocal attacks and this song only reinforces that notion. Some of the more groove oriented riffs are optimum headbanging moments and it’s impressive how easily the guitars slide from them to solos and back again.
The guitar tone on “Chatter,” is perfect for the choppy riffs that come in waves. This song is a steady romp and one of the more intense on the album but it’s also catchy as hell, Paul’s vocals layered to achieve the desired effect. The doubling down of the drums in the last few seconds brings the song to a strong finishing. I like the placement of this one too, in between a longer song and a more atmospheric one.
The final song, “XXII,” is another banger that builds up a lot of momentum early on and releases it with a gripping vocal performance. The guitars can be searing but they also are a bit more introspective, musical world building at its finest. After the halfway point there is a melodic/clean section that is cleverly placed and helps with the flow to the final moments.
Novembers Doom is a band that doesn’t appear to be able to release a bad album. “Major Arcana,” is another brick in the foundation of their legacy. I can’t see any fans being disappointed with it but it’s also a great place for new fans to start as well.
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