OK, I have to admit I am guilty of downloading this masterpiece
However, I hope that it is obvious to the guys in the band that I support them 110%. I will definitely be ordering the pre-order CD/Book package as soon as it is available.
First things first, congratulations!
This CD rocks!!!
It is rare that a band can keep evolving with every release and sound more defined and focused every time. TNR continues in the more up-tempo aggressive direction that they were leaning toward with Pale Haunt. Personally, this is my favorite aspect of ND and I love the direction they are going. However, the cool part is that there are some slower clean melodic parts that give it excitement and contrast. In my opinion, they are the only band that really pulls off the Death-Doom style without seeming forced. I love a lot of aspects of Death Metal, but often find it to be monotonous and boring. My opinion is the same about most Doom Metal. In addition, a lot of the Opeth type bands out there simply switch back and forth between being heavy and soft with apparently no real reason or flow to it.
This is where I think Novembers Doom really shines. The songwriting is absolutely brilliant. The songs seem so natural. The parts that are clean are truly beautiful and filled with emotion. Then these emotions build and lead to rage and anger and the music transforms itself into some of the most intense heavy guitar, pounding drums and powerful growls that you cannot help but FEEL the music in addition to just hearing it.
It will take me a while to fully absorb the new CD, but it is awesome. I was surprised how many parts I remembered from the parking lot preview that I had heard months ago. The songs really stick with you and make you want to hear them again and again. Needless to say, the production is flawless. The sound alone is part of what makes the music so powerful. The distorted guitars and drums pack a lot of punch, plus the acoustic guitars sound three-dimensional! On top of all that, Pauls vocals are fucking awesome! I also really like the additional guitar solos on this CD. They are very tastefully done and have a cool soaring vocal-like quality that really adds to the dynamics of the songs.
Right now, my favorite tracks are Dominate the Human Strain, The Voice of Failure and Rain. So, these are my vote for songs I would want to hear live. Im really looking forward to Powerfest!!! :Smokin: