OCTOBER NOIR have unleashed their latest album “Letters To Existence” which proves all the more that goth metal is here to stay
Founded in 2017 by Tom Noir, OCTOBER NOIR is a musical entity that defies genre boundaries, weaving together elements of goth, doom, metal, and rock to craft a sound that is truly unique. Hailing from Pensacola, Florida, the band consists of drummer Tyler Fleming, keyboardist Doug Lane, guitarist Trey Ozinga, and the enigmatic Tom Noir, who handles lead vocals and bass duties.
With an impressive discography that includes three full-length albums and nine singles, OCTOBER NOIR has carved out a distinct sonic identity. Their music combines the nostalgia of synth-driven ’80s rock with a contemporary metal edge, resulting in a captivating fusion. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, from ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN to TYPE O NEGATIVE to MY DYING BRIDE, OCTOBER NOIR‘s sound is both thunderous and intricately layered, demanding to be experienced firsthand.
Their new album, “Letters to Existence,” features a tracklist of songs that delve into themes of loss, pain, love, death, and a profound connection to spirituality. The album’s creation process was driven by a deep connection to nature, mirroring the ebb and flow of the seasons, as well as the seasons of life. Opening with the standout track “Spring,” drummer Tyler Fleming describes it as follows: “It lives up to the feel of Spring. It starts pretty mellow and then slams into its own. Here comes the album.”
“Letters to Existence” is a simultaneously inspiring and melancholic journey that transports listeners back to the ’80s in a spiritually charged manner. The album traverses a spectrum of emotions, from its darkest and most thunderous moments to lighter, even pop-infused interludes. OCTOBER NOIR‘s music exudes a special nostalgic quality, most notably evident in the song “Endless Lonely,” where metallic riffs blend seamlessly with Tom Noir’s signature raspy vocals, familiar to fans of doom and goth rock. Just a few tracks later, the band shifts gears into an upbeat, melodic sound reminiscent of THE CURE‘s “Friday I’m In Love,” as showcased in the fan-favorite “Clench” in the album’s middle section.
“Letters to Existence” is not only a musical journey but also a tapestry of references and Easter eggs. The album features samples from readings of Dante’s Inferno in “A Halo Hung From Horns” and pays homage to various legends throughout history. “For Honor” has been described as the band’s “Def Leppard song” due to its heavy metal influences, while keyboardist Doug Lane aptly characterizes it as a “gut-wrenching and torturously emotional slog in the best possible way.”
The album culminates with the poignant final track, “Winter,” a deeply emotional conclusion that transitions from vibrant and melodic tones to the starkness of winter, leaving listeners craving more.
“Letters to Existence” traverses the spectrum of human emotions, exploring themes of betrayal, infidelity, loss, and ultimate healing. It takes its audience on a profound journey through the seasons of life, encapsulating the multifaceted human experience.