Novembers Doom - Aphotic

[PhlegethonVeins]

Novembers Doom - Aphotic
The End Records - May 10th 2011
By Jason Wick

Artists face many obstacles throughout their careers that often determine how extensive and fruitful their time in the industry is. Even when you hold a veteran status, such as Novembers Doom does, a lot of battles remain to be won. One of the more difficult challenges for an established act to have success in is to achieve a sense of progression without alienating the current fan base; and this is something the men behind this band have had a good amount of success with throughout their 22 years of existence.

Eight full length albums within their career and Novembers Doom is still managing to switch things up while keeping a distinct atmosphere and feel in addition to improving on many technical fronts. With its aggressive and punchy approach Aphotic demonstrates that the creative engines within the band have a lot more fuel left in the tank. Quite frankly, it is difficult to come across a band that demonstrates this much will to improve so far into their career.

Rhythmically the act continues to improve upon assaulting the listener with hooks instead of simple rapid jabs in the heavier moments, as well as capitalizing on both anticipation and tension. These moments are still rounded out by mellow yet engaging passages which highlight Paul Kuhr’s growth on the clean vocal front. Despite the ‘bi-polar’ nature of Novembers Doom’s sound Aphotic does flow seamlessly throughout.

All in all progression is found on most fronts, and where it isn’t the band is just as strong as they previously stood. Precision and top notch song writing is capped off with engaging lyrics delivered in great form from Paul’s crushing fashion to guest appearances from both Anneke Van Giersbergen (The Gathering) and the legendary Dan Swanö (Edge of Sanity, Nightingale). Swanö is also responsible for the mixing of the album once again; continuing to be a great compliment to the work Chris Wisco has put in with the band in the studio.

Aphotic is yet another great release for this group out of Chicago. Mastering the art of melancholy, yet offering a sense of empowerment to the listener. This album will please the bands current fan base while garnering the attention of first time listeners, as well as those that have passed over their previous efforts.
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[BloodSword]

Absolutely no surprise here. One of the hardest working bands in music today.

 

[metalexp]

I feel like this is one of their best albums have have released....so far. I love Paul Kuhr vocals.

 

[Felixrox]

VERY GOOD album, clearly a year end list candidate. I happen to like how they've gone back & added a bit more of the doom elements from the early days. Tasteful guitar playing, great songwriting- a winner all around.

 

[metalheadmike]

Good album by a great Chicago band. Been following this band for many years

 

[Victim of Deception]

This is a good album that has a few standout songs and I think you appreciated it a little more than me that year.

 

[Mental Pain]

I like the direction Novembers Doom went with this album. I get the same feeling I did the first time I heard "The Pale Haunt Departure" amazing.

 

[Victim of Deception]

Both this album and the next one are solid doom metal efforts.