Hello, my fellow black metalheads! Welcome back to the Black Metal Archives! I’m Sean, and today we’re diving into the latest release from November Weeps – their incredible EP Totalitarian Convoy.
Hailing from the depths of New Jersey’s underground scene, November Weeps has been crafting a sound that leans heavily into the melancholic and tormented realms of depressive black metal. With Totalitarian Convoy, they’ve refined their sorrowful aesthetic, delivering a bleak yet immersive listening experience that lingers long after the final notes fade.
November Weeps’ sonic approach sits at the intersection of traditional second-wave black metal and the emotionally charged depths of depressive black metal. Totalitarian Convoy embraces icy tremolo-picked guitars, cavernous reverb-drenched screams, and a somber yet dynamic drum performance that shifts between slow, funeral-like dirges and bursts of cathartic intensity. The production maintains a raw edge, allowing the raw emotion of the instrumentation to breathe while still being polished enough to capture every nuance of the band’s sorrowful compositions.
Let’s take a closer look at the tracks:
“Suicide by Irony“ – The EP opens with a six-minute descent into anguish. Haunting, drawn-out guitar melodies weave through a steady, hypnotic drum pattern. The vocals here are visceral, embodying pure agony, while the lyrics explore themes of bitter self-awareness and existential futility. Midway through, the song erupts into a tremolo-driven assault, evoking the chaotic energy of early DSBM pioneers.
“Recurring Affair“ – At nearly nine minutes, this track unfolds like a slow-burning requiem. A melancholic, almost funeral-doom-like atmosphere sets the stage before the blast beats and wailing guitars pull the listener into a pit of despair. The track’s shifts in tempo and intensity keep it engaging, with brief moments of respite allowing the sorrow to sink in before the storm resumes. There’s a tangible sense of suffering in every riff and vocal passage, making this one of the EP’s standout moments.
“Totalitarian Convoy“ – The title track serves as both the climax and the most conceptually rich piece on the record. Incorporating elements of atmospheric black metal, it balances despair with a more expansive, almost cinematic quality. The lyrics paint a picture of oppression and control but through a deeply personal and introspective lens. The final minutes spiral into a whirlwind of relentless drumming and layered tremolo guitars, culminating in a bleak, fading outro that leaves the listener in stunned silence.
November Weeps isn’t reinventing the wheel, but they don’t need to. Their strength lies in their ability to channel the essence of depressive black metal with authenticity and conviction. Their sound recalls elements of bands like Shining, Thy Light, and early Xasthur, but with a slightly more refined production that allows their sorrowful melodies to shine through.
Totalitarian Convoy is a harrowing yet captivating listen, showcasing November Weeps’ ability to craft deeply emotional and immersive black metal. The balance of raw aggression and mournful atmospheres makes this EP a must-hear for fans of DSBM and atmospheric black metal alike. If you’re looking for a release that drags you into the abyss and forces you to confront the void, November Weeps delivers in full.
Check out the full EP over on their Bandcamp and let me know what you think in the comments.
As always, stay grim, and I’ll see you in the next review!
Hails!
