25/04/05

NOVEMBERS DOOM / THE PALE HAUNT DEPARTURE

I came across this CD by accident while surfing the net looking for something else and as often happens in these cases it turned out to be quite a find, the band have been around for quite a time and their last album was even produced by Neil Kernon, what better endorsement do you need.

Their sound is similar to My Dying Bride, Opeth and Akercocke, with a bit of Pink Floyd thrown in for good measure, dark, enigmatic with acoustic touches, so what we are talking about here is a Melodic, Gothic Death Metal mix that is superb to listen to. All the songs explore the spectres of the darker emotions, grief, regret, hatred, lust, fear and desperation using the majestic splendour of Gothic imagery, with expert use of minor chords, the inherent powerful dynamics of this coupled with strong melodies, give the songs a heaviness beyond sheers power. The vocals are a good blend of a deep sung voice and the gruff, Death Metal kind that switch between the two is used to great effect, check out "Swallowed By The Moon" or the title track to hear what I mean.

This is a superb album that deserves to be heard and not stuck in the underground, tracks to listen out for; "Swallowed By The Moon, "The Pale Haunt Departure", Through The Eyes Of A Child", "Dark World Burden" and "To The Absence Of Grace". Check out the bands site for their latest video and downloads.

TOTAL PLAYING TIME = 52 mins + 8 TRACKS