Novembers Doom

This winter, instead of touring with Rotting Christ, Novembers Doom recorded a new album. As much as I would have enjoyed a live performance, I'm not sorry they hit the studio instead. Into Night's Requiem Infernalfeatures Chicago's heavyweight masters doing what they do best. There's a touch more old school death/doom rage on this latest record, maybe inspired by vocalist Paul Kuhr and drummer Sasha Horn dabbling in These Are They on the side. Still, Into Night's Requiem Infernal no more aggressive than anything else the band have done lately, although the record has a few brutal moments, along with some slower-paced heft. The difference is really about eased tension, a degree of raw comfort and a sense of sonic space that lets the album morph easily between the poundingly heavy and the laidback. And there are multiple versions of laidback here, ranging from clean vocal harmonies overtop thick, distorted guitars to vintage Pink Floyd-esque interludes. As usual, Dan Swanö makes a good mixing match for Novembers Doom, this time letting Into Night's and contrasts emerge organically from the songwriting and performance. This doesn't make for instant satisfaction. Into Night's Requiem Infernalis more of a slow cooker - better after it's had a little time to simmer.