very highly recommended Décembre Noir for supporters of melancholic death doom

Décembre Noir (Germany): A Discouraged Believer (F.D.A. Rekotz)

Sometimes the sounds of experience and talent are expressed so well that the listener gets the impression right away that the album is a keeper, and a very good work that deserves a special place amongst the classics of a genre. That’s how Décembre Noir sounds to me, and sounded that way the very first time I heard and noticed that special something about the album.

It is a pleasure to hear both good songwriting and care taken in the guitar work. Sometimes a band sounds very skillful, as in this case, and I was curious to find out if this is a new band or one that has been around for years. Metal Archives says that the band started out in 2008, even though this is the debut album. It also turns out that guitarist Sebastian Görlach had a previous band that began in 2000. Thus, at least the guitarist definitely has substantial experience, if not all the rest of the band.

Décembre Noir has made a nearly perfect work for those that support in a major way the sounds of melancholic death doom, in the style of early Katatonia and Paradise Lost. I don’t like to make overly exaggerated claims, but the more I listen to the album, the more I am convinced that this belongs next to Katatonia’s “Dance of December Souls” and “Brave Murder Day” and Paradise Lost’s “Gothic.” I mention those classics for those that understand the heritage of this music. Nowadays bands like Daylight Dies, October Tide and Graveyard of Souls (also on FDA Rekotz) are more current points of reference.

As usual with this style, heaviness, class, elegance, melancholy and talent are defining characteristics. For instance, the growled vocals have to be done appropriately. Décembre Noir’s growling is deep and gruff and flows with the music. It’s not annoying, which is important. The vocals are easy on the ears, yet still heavy, of course. It’s like this band knows what is heavy and good, and what is gimmicky and irritating; and I feel like I comprehend the band’s aesthetics. I am in agreement; others who listen will understand, too. The guitar work has the death metal-ish riffing, but the band believes in making things interesting with hooks and melodies that the listener can remember. Logically, the melodies are not sweet and cheery because that’s not what melancholy is. If the listener gives the album a real chance, the picture begins to emerge rather quickly: this guitar work means that the band has spent time working and reworking the songs, refining the songs until the desired quality is achieved.

Mission accomplished for Décembre Noir. A must for the fanaticals of this style. Masterful.

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DECEMBRE NOIR - Resurrection (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

DECEMBRE NOIR - A Discouraged Believer (OFFICIAL VIDEO)