Following last year’s re-release of “Classica”, Peaceville Records have put out Novembre’s 2001 work, “Novembre Waltz”. In the way that “Classica” presents a picture of crumbling buildings in a bleak, monochrome environment, “Novembrine Waltz” is in full colour. Both are dreamy and dark, expansive and full of imagination. Here’s proof that Progressive Death Metal can be presented in many ways.
When “Novembrine Waltz” first came out, it took me a few listens to get its full subtlety and flavour. It’s a layered work and has many attributes. It’s flamboyant, technically superb, delicate, dark and fluid. The layers and contrasts also dictate that it’s a feast of Death Metal while also being classical, bombastic and pretentious. The Mediterranean sunshine and qualities shine though, especially in the guitar output. Each track takes on a massive identity, developing from passage to passage. Tracks like a “Come Pierrot” are inspiring. From a typically quiet beginning and always in the context of a calm, hooky riff, the build up is so majestic that it never fails to give me goose pimples as it rises to a crescendo. Then it breaks and the mood darkens. The technique and control are perfect. Whereas “Classica” generated sadness, “Novembrine Waltz” is reflective. It’s like living in a dreamy haze. “Child of the Twilight” starts in a reflective and symphonic way. Tranquillity leads into customarily rich guitar passages, signalling something epic and beautiful … and then the clouds descend and there are despairing screams. Soft vocals stand out against a harsh framework on “Flower”. It’s such layers and the lush guitar sound that give the album an overriding feel of richness and abundance.
The album sweeps along like the change of seasons. The changes are there but you don’t directly notice them. “Valentine (Almost an Instrumental)” is typical. Mid-passage the mood changes. There’s always an underlying consistency about it. Opeth do this of course, and there is a similarity in the structure, but Novembre are original. Their captivating rhythms capture the warmth of their native Italian land. It’s harsh too. Towards the end of “Venezia Dismal”, blood-curdling screams break the simultaneously lush and languid landscape. We’re then taken off into a galloping passage, then it slows down. Images of decay are matched by creepy Death vocals, accompanied by those rich Mediterranean guitar strains. It’s now transformed into the track “Conservatory Resonance”, and all this has happened in less than five minutes.
As you may gather, I had a wonderful time listening to “Novembrine Waltz” again. It evoked all the same moods and emotions, and it’s as fresh as it was when it was first released. Its exquisite atmosphere serves as a preview for the amazing 2007 album “The Blue”. “Novembrine Waltz” is one of the most exotic albums you could hear. It’s just brilliant.
http://www.myspace.com/novembre1
http://www.peaceville.com
