Classica

Novembre | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 14, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Peaceville UK
• ASIN: B001DU48BS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #287,937 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2008 UK expanded reissue of the Italian Death/Doom Metal band's third album, originally released in 1999. This edition features three bonus tracks including rare demo versions of album cuts. Ever since their formation in 1990 under the name of Catacomb, the Italians have risen to become one of the leading names in atmospheric Death/Doom Metal; having recently released 2 albums on Peaceville Records with Materia (2006) and last year's highly acclaimed album, The Blue. Classica evoked many traits of Progressive Death Metal, and is often compared to the earlier works of Opeth. Intricate melodic guitar passages effortlessly skip between acoustic atmosphere and distorted heaviness to give a good contrast to the album's overall sense of mood. The vocals of Carmelo Orlando further heighten the emotion with impressive clean vocal passages blending with the classic 'growled' style so familiar to the genre. Peaceville.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Severely Underrated Melodic Death, January 30, 2003

By 

The Wickerman (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classica (Audio CD)

There are tons upon tons of talented bands in the melodic death genre today (Opeth, In Flames, Dark Tranquility, Children of Bodom, etc.), but one band in particular exists in virtual obscurity, having gotten none of the recognition that the aforementioned bands have. That band is Novembre, and having listened to this album, I cannot for the life of me figure out why this band has not gotten the attention they so rightfully deserve.

This band is, quite simply, amazing. They have mastered the art of blending savage riffs with beautiful melody to a degree I could scarcely imagine beforehand. Carmelo Orlando is quite possibly the best vocalist I have ever heard, in any kind of death metal. His bloodthirsty growls and screams are a bit like a hybrid of the black and death metal style, and are fraught with emotion (something that many death vocals often lack). Coupled with this are clean vocals that are just stunning. They have an ethereal melodic quality that puts one in the mind of Maynard James Keenan, of Tool. Giuseppe Orlando's thunderous drumming is equally impressive. Speed, technicality, and impeccable double bass control make for an excellent backdrop to it all. The occasional keyboard (courtesy of Carmelo) pops up here and there, to enhance the atmosphere of the guitars.

While the album does have a very melodic and melancholic feel overall, there is still plenty of blistering heaviness here. "Cold Blue Steel" is a fiery opener, and the only track to feature death vox. all the way through. "Onirica East" starts out soft and peaceful, but builds to all-out death metal ferocity by the end. "Nostalgiaplatz" and "My Starving Bambina" are more laid-back, with nearly hypnotic melodic vocals, and the two "winter tracks" ("Winter 1941" and "Tales from a Winter to Come") are a prime example of the brilliant melding of both worlds. "Foto Blu Infinito" is a nice instrumental, with acoustic guitars, and some cool fretless bass. Those are just a few highlights though, the whole album is amazing from start to finish.

If there's one thing I can complain about here, it's the production. It's not a big deal most of the time, but a lot of the clean vocals are too quiet in the mix, and you almost have to strain to hear them. A pity, considering how incredible the vocals are. I have two albums from this band, the other being "Novembrine Waltz", and while it's not quite as good musically, the production is much better, and it really makes a difference. But, that complaint is a small one, as it doesn't detract too much from the greatness of the album.

If you like melodic death metal in the vein of Opeth and Dark Tranquility, you definitely owe it to yourself to check this band out. They are definitely in the upper echelon of the genre, and they deserve more attention than they get.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Melancholic Aggression, April 13, 2000

By 

Mattias Nilsson (Lund, Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classica (Audio CD)

Slow-moving, melancholic guitars that makes you want to cry, and dragged-out screams and fast bass drums that makes you want to relieve yourself of that which you have tried to hide so deep inside.

I knew I had to have an album with the band after seeing them live with Moonspell, Kreator, and Witchery, but I was wrong. I crave more.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An overlooked gem, May 28, 2004

By 

Steve Young (Sydney, nsw Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classica (Audio CD)

I am incredulous that this band Novembre and this wondrous , heartfelt ,beautiful album is virtually unheralded ,even in the metal community. Searing screams juxtaposed with poignant atmosphere, haunting lead fills and perfect double kick tempos make this one of those memorable experiences ,that play in your head,for days after each listen.I loved Opeths first 2 albums like no other yet this ranks up there with them.The mention of Opeth is really only part of Novembres influence -they have forged a unique sound in their own right.Dont hesitate - melodic death metal that somehow indefinably stands out from the crowd - 5 big stars