Italian metal band Novembre are set to release their ninth album entitled Words of Indigo on November 7th. Novembre’s guitarist/vocalist Carmelo Orlando spoke with Metal Express Radio about their upcoming album, Novembre’s lineup changes, the music scene in Italy, and more. Check out the chat below!
Metal Express Radio: Novembre are set to release their ninth album entitled Words of Indigo on November 7th, what can you tell fans about the upcoming release?
Orlando: I can say that we are all excited and happy with how this album turned out. It feels much more balanced compared to the past, and it flows very well despite being quite complex. It has many instrumental and atmospheric moments that give the listener a break from long and intricate passages. The album’s sound is crystal-clear and powerful, thanks to Dan Swano’s mastery. I know every musician tends to say this, but right now we truly believe this is our best work.
MER: How was the writing and recording process, being your ninth album, as well as Novembre’s lineup changes?
Orlando: I think the writing process for this album is very similar to before. I write a lot of riffs, very short passages, and I archive them; when it’s time to write an album, I go through these riffs, choose the ones I think are the most suitable, and then the process of composing a song begins. That’s the part that takes the most time and effort. Pure recording isn’t easy either, even though technology helps us a lot nowadays. We can record a lot of material at home, but in the end, there are instruments that you must record in a studio, like drums and vocals. Anyway, it’s a lot of hard work because you have to pay attention to ten thousand details.
MER: Word of Indigo is Novembre’s first album in nine years, what did you and the rest of Novembre do during that time?
Orlando: It may sound strange, but in certain situations nine years can go by as if nothing happened. You spend the first two or three years promoting the previous album, URSA, then Covid hits and everything stops for another two or three. Venues were opening and closing, and we didn’t know if we’d ever get back to normal. In the meantime, you don’t give up and keep looking for a lineup with musicians based in the city — a tough task, though we eventually managed. Then, a couple of years ago, we rolled up our sleeves and started putting together some riffs we already had in the archives. Just like that, it’s already 2024. After that comes the usual recording process, which takes its time, and here we are at the end of 2025, without even realizing it.
MER: You’ve released two songs from the album so far, do you feel those two songs give the fans an idea on what to expect from the full album?
Orlando: No, I really don’t think so. The album is much more complex and varied than these two songs, which are actually very melodic and, all things considered, simple. The real fun will come when the album is released—you’ll be able to hear truly interesting stuff that often borders on prog. There are many pieces typical of Novembre, songs that go over six minutes with both intense and more atmospheric parts.
MER: What do you see as plans for you and Novembre after the album is released?
Orlando: We will definitely dedicate ourselves to promoting the album. Right now, we are working on putting together some dates. At the moment, there isn’t much I can tell you, but stay tuned to our social media because there might be some very interesting news.
MER: Is there anyone you hope to tour with and why?
Orlando: There are so many bands that I adore as a listener with whom I would love to share a tour. We’ve already played with many of them several times: Opeth, Katatonia, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride. Playing with any of these bands again would be wonderful.
MER: Is there anywhere that’s been your favorite place to play live and why?
Orlando: To be honest, we’ve had very warm and less warm shows all over the place. There isn’t a single place that we truly prefer. The audience’s involvement depends on countless variables. Let’s just say that here in Italy the crowd is much warmer because it’s home, but we’ve had incredible shows throughout Europe and even at 70000 Tons of Metal, which goes from Miami to the Caribbean.
MER: How would you describe the music scene in Italy?
Orlando: It’s a very lively scene, full of extremely interesting new bands that are making their mark and have understood how to connect with an international audience. There’s no comparison with the scene we started in back in the ’90s. Now we are on a completely different level.
MER: Out of Novembre’s nine albums, what is one you would recommend to a new fan and why?
Orlando: I would probably steer him toward Classica, because it’s probably our most successful album so far, but I’m sure this latest album will give it a run for its money. So ultimately, I’d say Words of Indigo.
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