November is Doom - Nattradio : " The Longest Night"

In some ways, this takes you back to the earlier days of Katatonia, by which I mean pre-"Viva Emptiness" but after they moved on from growling. The melodic vocals here are nuanced in a different manner than what Jonas does, though full of vulnerability. Lyrically, perhaps not as complex. The morose tone cast over the second song keeps it from being wandering, moody alternative rock. The doom elements are handled in a somewhat similar manner to how Hangman's Chair approaches the genre, though less depressing a more lonely-sounding.  

There is less of a metal feel and more of a slinky synth wave, not unlike what Ulver does these days. It works really well, and it is a mood I enjoy, while making the most of what the vocals can do. "Alright For Now" is even more drenched in atmosphere than the previous and needs the edge of power chords to ground it. They lean into this ambiance further with the more minimalist mood of "Night". The guitar creeps in as the song progresses."Shifting Baseline" has the more mournful quality of doom returning in the guitar melody. The vocals carry a more casual croon. 

This album is produced really well, the mix places everything where it needs to be giving the vocals which are pretty front and center, lots of room to breathe. In fact, the guitar could stand to be louder when it is used as more of a blunt instrument. "Rainbiords"  moves like a Cure song. The title track that closes the album is a long and winding ballad that could use more of a backbone from the bass line.I will give this album a 9.5, and see how it grows on me, being released December 12th on Darkness Shall Rise,  

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