Novembre

[Requiem]

I could have sworn we had Novembre and Theatre of Tragedy threads here in the Gothic Metal forum, but maybe I dreamt it. 

Anyway, Italy's Novembre is one of the most underrated bands in metal, and I think their gothic tinged melodic odes are due much more respect. Here I present: 

Requiem's Ranking of Novembre Albums from Least Best to Best

7. Wish I Could Dream it Again (1994)

A solid, if workman-like debut; this has a lot of potential and good songwriting. They re-recorded this with the usual middling success of all bands who re-record older material, and I won't include that in this list, although it's very professionally done and probably what these decent songs needed. The original is pretty rough but has all of the Novembre style and spirit. Fantastic album cover of an old boat on the beach, which really sums up this band's vibe. 

6. The Blue (2007)

This was an odd album in many ways. The opening track 'Anaemia' and the glorious 'Tristeitaliana' are great songs - in fact two of the band's best -, but the fuzzy production leaves me a bit bemused. I'm not sure what's up with the production of this album, but it's a let down sonically for me. It was their last album for 9 years, too, so one wonders what was happening within their ranks. Fabulous blue cover (go figure) by Travis Smith. 

5. Arte Novocento (1996)

The band's second album is great. It's where the unique Italian feel starts to shine through - although I wonder how much of that is psychological for me due to the album cover of the Italian piazza. Songs are still sounding a bit rough but overall it's coming together. The band's cover of 'Stripped' is a highlight. What a great rendition. 

4. Materia (2006)

I was really disappointed with this when it first came out after the monumental, life-changing, 'Novembrine Waltz'. It took a few listens, but tracks like 'Aquamarine' quickly became classics. It's perhaps more progressive than the band's brand of sophisticated gothic in overall feel, and that let me down a little bit, but there's no denying the emotional pull of 'Croma' and 'Nothijngrad' which close the album. I'm not a huge fan of the album cover of the kid looking at the industrial city/factory. 

3. Ursa (2016)

Their big comeback album was actually a bit of a disappointment for me initially, but lately it's really clicked and it's now one of my favourites. It's funny how music does that sometimes. It has some amazing moments, like opening track 'Australis' which, from what I can gather in the lyrics, is about my homeland of Australia and its spirituality. Other highlights include the haunting 'Bremen' about soldiers in war. Huge emotion in this album and I'm sorry I doubted it upon release. Not sure about the woman with fox cover by Travis Smith. I guess it's cool. 

2. Classica (1999)

My introduction to the band back when this was first released. What an amazing album. I still remember the first time I heard those melodic riffs in opener 'Cold Blue Steel' and the gentle trundle of the emotional 'Nostalgiaplatz'. Absolutely stunning album artwork by Dark Tranquillity's Niklas Sundin.

1. Novembrine Waltz (2001)

Their masterpiece by some distance and a top 20 album of all time for me. Songs like 'Distances' and 'Everasia' are about as emotional as guitar riffs can get. It sounds so Italian with the accordian and sun-drenched melodies. The Kate Bush cover of 'Cloudbusting' is also so brilliant. I've been a bit depressed that the band hasn't been able to live up to this level of perfection again, but I'm glad that they hit it at least once in their unsteady career. Interesting and evocative cover from Travis. 

Any other fans of this brilliant band out there? 

[BlutAusNerd]

There has to be a Novembre thread somewhere, I remember having this discussion with you. I still only have Materia and The Blue, but I dig the way they merge Gothic metal and progressive metal on those releases. It sounds emotional and elegant, but also forward thinking. It departs from a lot of the tropes of Gothic metal, like those open straight 8th note guitar lines taken from Gothic rock, which doesn't really interest me.

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[Requiem]

11 hours ago, BlutAusNerd said:

There has to be a Novembre thread somewhere, I remember having this discussion with you. I still only have Materia and The Blue, but I dig the way they merge Gothic metal and progressive metal on those releases. It sounds emotional and elegant, but also forward thinking. It departs from a lot of the tropes of Gothic metal, like those open straight 8th note guitar lines taken from Gothic rock, which doesn't really interest me.

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I was searching but couldn’t find one and concluded the discussions must have taken place in another thread/forum, like mistletoe in a mighty oak. 

If you get a chance check out the top three in my list. 

I should also point out that I have a Novembre beanie that I wear proudly.

[BlutAusNerd]

I was searching but couldn’t find one and concluded the discussions must have taken place in another thread/forum, like mistletoe in a mighty oak. 
If you get a chance check out the top three in my list. 
I should also point out that I have a Novembre beanie that I wear proudly.

I have no doubt that their other albums are every bit as professional and excellent. I kind of lost track of them until I spun them a few months back, and will grab some more of their albums if/when I see them.

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[Requiem]

Amazing band, and I'm sad that more people aren't into their melodic and emotional tunes. 

Just listening to the amazing 'Triestitaliana' from 'The Blue', and the final part just sticks with me forever. Just amazing, and reminds me of the beautiful country, Italy.