Forming in 1989, the doom/death metal hybrid that's November's Doom has taken the long route to reaching my ears. As so many bands in recent years, this group of immensely talented musicians are brand new to me. The frequency with which this happens has made me question my fandom of metal. Still, I guess we all have to start somewhere and late is better than never. It may even help me to bring a new perspective to the table, without the years of baggage a life steeped in the genre would accumulate. In any case, November's Doom is a strong group with an equally strong focus on what they want to create.
You may not want to listen to this if you are depressed, as it would likely push you over the brink into despair before yanking you into a state of awe over the solid musicianship, creating an emotional yo-yo that would threaten anyone's grip.
As I listen to the eight tracks that comprise Into Night's Requiem Infernal Night, I could not help but have a strange sense of deja vu. I knew I hadn't heard them before, but there are moments throughout that reminded me of something. I wracked my brain as the quintet burned with a dark fire through tracks like "A Eulogy for the Living Lost" and "Lazarus Regret." Then it hit me: I was getting flashes of Opeth and Solitude Aeturnus blended with a little Tiamat and Pink Floyd. All of these bands swirled in my head while the band played on with great intensity, somehow retaining a fresh sound.
The crossing over of doom and death metal seems like a natural combination, and while there are a number of bands practicing it, it is not a genre that has ever or will likely ever burn up the charts. Despite that, I am thankful for the tastes I have gotten and I have a growing desire to investigate more. It is an intriguing blend of in-your-face heaviness and darkly delicate melody. Attempted by a lesser band and the result would likely be disastrous. In the capable hands of November's Doom, though, the result is captivating and just a little depressing.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
"it would likely push you over the brink into despair before yanking you into a state of awe"
That actually sounds like it would help someone depressed
2 - roger nowosielski
It's a shock treatment, if anything. Do proceed!
3 - Jason
This is the worst recording of the year. They trashed the mix into one big distorted mess. Worst sounding cd of the year so far