Rough Edge: November's Doom CD Reviews

NOVEMBER'S DOOM

"The Novella Reservoir" (The End; 2007)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Chicago metal merchants November's Doom return with "The Novella Reservoir," a chameleon-esque cavalcade of intricate doom metal.

This eight-track affair commandeers a blistering array of progressive power metal, a la Nevermore, falling into the black/death metal's pits of demonic despair ruled by Suffocation on tracks like "The Voice of Failure," while glimpses of the band's former self still ring out loud and clear on songs like the title track.

With influences ranging from Katatonia to Crowbar to Opeth resonating across this disc, November's Doom's wide array of melded metallic tactics help to construct sturdy footings between metal genres, deservedly allowing tracks like "Drown the Inland Mere" the opportunity to rile up metalhead's from all walks of life.

For more information visit http://www.novembersdoom.com.

"The Knowing" (Dark Symphonies; 2001)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

I was fortunate enough to see Novembers Doom at the second March Metal Meltdown in New Jersey in early 2000 - I was taken aback by their very literate, emotionally charged style of doom. With great anticipation I waited for November's Doom's third full-length "The Knowing."

Hailing from the Chicago, November's Doom hardly sound like an American band. November's Doom sound more like they are part of the English doom scene (Anathema and My Dying Bride, for example). But have no fear, November's Doom doesn't sound like either Anathema or My Dying Bride.

"The Knowing" is a feast of melancholy songs. Tragedy and desolation, as would be expected of a doom band, permeate "The Knowing." At times the music is heart wrenching and depressive; at other times the music has an almost uplifting feel to it. These emotions are treated with dignity and honor throughout. Enough aggression and up-tempo music is integrated into the mix to keep the heavy parts sounding heavy and the quiet parts seem even more depressing and somber. In particular, the band gets high marks for "Silent Tomorrow," "Last God," and "Aura Blue."

The vocals are diverse - everything from spoken words, deathly growls, and female vocals grace the songs. The music is quite intense at times, yet almost intricately developed with an orchestrated symphonic sound that was obviously crafted with care and attention to detail. The abrupt changes and intricate arrangements reveal a band that has labored over every nook and cranny of the songs.

I feel that November's Doom is one of the few bands that actually lives up to the hype that precedes them. "The Knowing" should serve the band well as they seek world dominance.

"The Knowing" was produced by Novembers Doom.

November's Doom is Paul Kuhr on vocals, Eric Burnley and Larry Roberts on guitars, Mary Bielich on bass, and Joe Nunez on drums.

For more information visit http://www.novembersdoom.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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