Four years after their previous album, Italy’s Noveria are back with their latest bout of weighty classic Progressive Metal. Even within the abundant realms of Progressive Metal, there are many facets bands have woven for themselves and taken into different directions, so it’s not straight forward just to merely lob that particular label a band’s way and expect a reader to know exactly what you mean immediately. With Noveria you may hear occasional glimpses of DGM, Adagio and even Dream Theater, but really, let’s be honest, when I hear “The Gates Of The Underworld” …let’s just say, if you like Symphony X and you’re thinking that eight years since their previous opus is a bit on the lengthy side, then you really need to check out Noveria if you haven’t already.

Yes, four albums in, Noveria are still honing and personalising their own sound, so that’s just a comparison to help narrow things down a little. Tracks range from five minutes to the striking twelve and a half minute epic title track, with each one packing plenty in for any Prog Metal fan to get their teeth into. There’s a wonderful constant heaviness to the guitar, bass and drums (possibly enhanced by the introduction of new drummer Davide Calabretta) that roots each song perfectly to enable the guitars to elaborate when needed and the neo-classical style keyboards to cast their magic on top. As with many Progressive Metal albums, the technicality and complexity of the music is key, but Noveria are wise enough to leave plenty of room for the spellbinding vocal melodies courtesy of Francesco Corigliano.

When Corigliano’s dynamic vocals aren’t being the focal point of the song, the music is twisting and bending the arrangement in its own direction, keyboards and guitar occasionally vying for attention yet always working in harmony. Ever present is that aforementioned driving rhythmical and guitar heaviness that few other than Symphony X have managed to really conquer, but here Noveria give it their own angle and deliver every song with maximum impact, varying the tempos expertly and seamlessly. The band’s blend works, there’s just enough here to hook you in, more to keep you coming back and plenty of hidden depths to show themselves over time. This album is Noveria’s most accomplished to date, as well as being their most mature. It’s unrelenting in power, well-crafted from start to finish and maintains your interest throughout. One of those albums that will be a pleasure to revisit for many times to come.

(8.5/10 Andy Barker)

https://www.facebook.com/NoveriaOfficial

https://scarletrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-gates-of-the-underworld