Novembre - Words of Indigo

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Novembre is a metal band from Rome, Lazio, Italy who formed back in 1990 as Catacomb before changing their name to their current moniker in 1993. Their latest album, “Words of Indigo,” is their 9th full-length album; they have also released two EPs and two splits.  Their sound takes doom metal and mixes it with Gothic textures, prog elements, and a ton of melody

At this point in their career that has now expanded well over 30 years, I doubt they needed that introduction.  But this is their first full-length in almost a decade so maybe you needed a refresher.  Or, better yet, you could just listen to this album—-"Words of Indigo,” is a fantastic album and also as good of a point as any in their discography to start with.  


“Words of Indigo,” is a vivid, dynamic portrait of musicians still at the top of their game.  This is an album with incredible depth and comes in many flavors, yet it still carries on the basic concept of the band’s established sound.  This is very much what I would call a ‘world building’ album:  each song is layered with a ton of details, a swirling mass of ideas that always unfurls itself smoothly, somehow being complicated without actually sounding complicated.  


What makes “Words of Indigo,” such an engrossing album is that it works on several different levels.  It’s a very dark album yet much of the melodies and instrumentation have a sort of colored brightness to them that makes the songs pop against the bleakness of their foundations.  I’m also impressed by how several of the songs seem like more than one song yet, overall, everything still sounds as it should.


A fine example of this is the opening song “Sun Magenta.”  The opening is ominous but gentle, opening with the light cresting of waves.  For the next four and a half minutes, the song is beautiful melodies and catchy clean vocals with a lot of emotional weight behind them. Afterwards, it fades out and then comes back with doomy riffs and deathly screams, all backed by a strong rhythm.  It’s a different approach within the same song yet it makes sense.


The album’s ability to convey various emotions through instrumental change is second to none.  “Neptunian Hearts,” starts with clean instrumentation as the death growls/screams rip through the passages and lead the song to a catchy clean vocal laced chorus.  Suddenly, the drums and bass kick the tempo up, sending the band through another ripper.  The latter half of the song finds the band trying out another clean passage but this time it's much denser and dourer. What’s next?  A banger of a melodic solo then another round of blackened inspired melodic death.


What will the listener get with this album?  There is always something new around the corner but always presented in a smart way, so everything makes sense—there isn’t any clutter or unnecessary pieces to this puzzle.


The band is at their best when their sound is constantly gaining momentum and structure—when the listener can feel the notes coming together as the painting is formed before their very eyes (or ears in this case).  “Brontide,” represents this notion well—an absolutely stunning song.  It has soaring solos, atmospheric pieces, light and darkness…everything that is great about this album in particular and Novembre in general is represented in this song. 


Thankfully, the album remains fresh throughout, with several deep cuts being among their best.  “Chiesa dell’Alba,” seems like it may be some sort of lush ballad but soon it releases melodic death/doom tenfold, the middle and ending passages being particularly arresting. The drums are extremely well adapted in the changing moods of the song as well.  This one is seven and a half minutes long but doesn’t feel like it.


“Post Poetic,” is the last full song and another one of my favorites on the album.  The highly melodic opening is also highly infectious. The vocals are beyond amazing and lend the song even more catchy tendencies.  The lead guitar shines brightly with progressive tinged structures that compliment rather than meander.  My favorite part is the break in the song after the 4-minute mark then the band jumping back into the fray. 


All in all, Novembre continues to build on their already impressive career. For a band this far into their existence to still have fresh ideas and this kind of driving energy is just…everything.  Any fans of doom, Gothic, prog, and/or melodic metal WILL find something to enjoy here. 


Rating: Excellent


















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