Most modern metalcore music comes from the US, which is not surprising as the genre was formed in the States. The UK has also recently upped its metalcore offerings, with the likes of While She Sleeps, Bury Tomorrow and Architects dominating the airwaves. One country that is not particularly well-known for its metalcore scene is France, but Paris-based quintet Novelists are hoping to change this with their debut album Souvenirs (Arising Empires). They have been teasing their ever-growing fanbase with a variety of singles since 2013, but their newest release should satisfy both pre-existing fans and newcomers alike.
In a genre which is infamous for its unoriginality bands need to ensure that the first track resonates with both pre-existing fans and newcomers, and that is exactly what Novelists have achieved with ‘Inanimate’. The haunting piano melody fused with the almost djent-like riffs creates a distinctive yet engaging sound which certainly makes an impact. Although the song itself is only two minutes long it is hard to ignore the powerful technical guitar work, never mind Matt Gelsomino’s harrowing vocals.
The progressive nature of their songs definitely takes their sound to the next level. The ever-changing tempo of each song is anything but unorganised; instead it adds to the excitement as you are unsure of exactly where each track is heading. In a genre full of predictable riff-chorus-riff, it is genuinely exhilarating to hear such a fresh take on metal music as a whole.
Despite the heavy nature of the majority of Souvenirs, Matt and co. are able to show their softer side in the ambient-sounding track ‘5:12AM’. Versatility is a handy trait to possess in the music industry, and it is clear that Novelists are not afraid to try something different.
Novelists have managed to take the best parts from genres across the metal spectrum and fuse them together to create their own signature style: heavy breakdowns, eerie melodies, hardcore-esque vocals, synth beats and technical guitar riffs.
7.0/10
JULIA CONOPO
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German metal is going through something of a renaissance in recent times, with an inventive and all-embracing attitude exuding all manner of influences. Step forward the enigmatically named Time, The Valuator, adding a post-hardcore feel to the powerful prog metal of the likes of Karnivool and Periphery with debut album How Fleeting, How Fragile (Longbranch).
