Experimentation and innovative music must be delivered for success to prevail! Today’s metal fans will burry bands basically because of the flooded genre’s and repetitive rubbings left by uninspiring music. Though I am not as harsh as most onlookers I find it becoming harder and harder for me to get excited over new releases. Lots of bands that I once gloried over have left me wallowing in their tragedy. However, some bands continue to stay steady and are holding tight to that special musical place in my heart.

Enter Novembre, a band that has taken genre melding to a new level. The Blue is magnificent, plan and simple. This is artsy emotional metal that unfolds over multiple listens. It just blows my mind how well these Italian’s can craft music. We cannot just review this album without understanding the progressive history of the band. From the start, Novembre had amazing instrumental talent. Vocally, Carmelo Orlando has grown miles since the debut Wish I Could Dream It Again, which is why they re-recorded the album some years later, and over the course of their career no album has been the same. Everything they put out has a Novembre feel to it but its own distinctive properties. Last years Materia was a departure form the harsh death vocals and a return to their more goth/rock material. It also had a significant mainstream lean. As much as I tried to sink into that record I just couldn’t. It was a great album but something was missing. The Blue associates all that has lead up to this point, including Classica, Novembrine Waltz, and Materia.

First noticeable thing about this record is the return of the heavy. When I say heavy I mean the more violent aspects of Novembre. Immediately I was drawn back to my favorite record by the band, Classica. Carmelo has once again utilized his piercing screams. I would venture to say that Carmelo is probably the best screamer I have ever heard. It’s a tortured agitated release that I simply glorify the man for. His vocals are undeniable and his experience over the years has molded his clean singing into something special as well. It’s an innocent depressive voice that borders crying and can bring me to tears at times.

Musically the rest of the band has taken a slightly different approach this year. First off, this entire record has a dreamy, weaving, and sustained vibe about it. You will not be able to wrap your head around The Blue in one sitting. What I’m noticing the more I listen are the “hidden” riffs. There are doomy chord progressions, Italian acoustic guitar picking, and chronic effect laden second guitar riffs weaving in and out of each song. Stunning pieces of music to say the least. Standout track “Cobalt of March” shows how the band progresses through song. The song seriously climbs to a climax that serves as a catharsis. They all do. The Blue is a purge of emotion and should be experienced by all who love melodic metal.

At this point all I can say is buy the damn record. This is on top of my list for best of 2007. I only hope Novembre stays with us for as long as they can, releasing beautiful and thoughtful metal for years to come. As a final word of advice, take your time with the band and experience their music for you will be fully appeased with the results.

[Visit the band's website]

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