Invernoir – Aimin’ for Oblivion

It’s starting to get cold where I live (despite my mansion being on a volcano—those Lamborghinis need a lot of heat to stay beautiful). What better way to embrace the slow but inevitable descent into darkness than with some Death/Doom from Invernoir, a project that blends the melancholy of Novembre and My Dying Bride with the fury of Décembre Noir? These bands always risk falling into clichés and well-worn tropes, but can Aimin’ for Oblivion manage to become unforgettable (see what I did there? Hehe…)?

You know what hits harder than the crushing sadness this album evokes? The fact that it’s also laced with nostalgia. If you miss the Goth vibe from old Paradise Lost, then Invernoir has you covered. It’s not too heavy; it leans more into sorrow and the bleakness of internal struggle. Sure, there’s some Death/Doom sprinkled throughout, but an album that dares to feel this raw and vulnerable is rare, and I have to acknowledge that even if it’s not the most original thing out there. Instead of being a bastard about the “soft” sections, Oblivion invites you to embrace the sad poppy inside of you.

Many of you might cringe at the clean vocals on this album, but I actually think they fit the music perfectly. That’s no easy feat. Their strength lies in not overreaching or sounding overly dramatic (they almost blend in the background sometimes). And the heartbreaking guitar work only amplifies that. This is mid-tempo Doom, so you won’t be bored. In fact, it even features some cool solos that hit you right in the feels. Plus, it wouldn’t be an Italian band without a bit of emotional Italian mumbling in the most stirring moments (Metal in Italian sounds so intense, it gives it an opera-like feeling). So, what’s the downside to Oblivion? I’m glad you asked.

Well, it’s not a negative per se, but the album is steeped in ’90s Goth and Doom nostalgia. It makes me (someone who wasn’t a teen in the ’90s) feel old! It’s like taking one of those My Dying Bride records and giving it a modern twist. The sound is fresh, but it’s not entirely new. My other issue is with the last two tracks; they slow the pace down significantly, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. They’re not boring, but I found it harder to stay focused on them compared to the rest of Oblivion. Perhaps I was just too sad by the time I reached those final tracks.

If you’re a fan of this sound, do yourself a favor and keep Invernoir on your radar. It’ll give you exactly what you’re looking for. And why not pair it with some Officium Triste? These two should tour together and deliver the full “I can’t take this anymore!” experience. Sure, it may not be defying all my expectations, but, like chicken soup, sometimes you just crave something that comforts you in this empty world. Mmm… I think I’m hungry!

Label: Aural Music

Release date: 27 September (Europe) & 4 October (The world), 2024

Website: https://www.facebook.com/invernoir

Country: Italy

Score: Armistice at last, or 3.5/5.0