Novena is a new progressive metal/rock act from the UK including the frontmen Ross Jennings, also of Haken, and Gareth Mason, also of Slice the Cake. Their new album and Frontiers Music Srl debut “Eleventh Hour” will be released March 6
th. Watch the band’s video for the the song “Indestructible” HERE:
https://youtu.be/KOvw9EAGAYU
Guitarist/Keyboardist Harrison White explains the concept of the video for “Indestructible” and how the song fits into the album thematically:
“The essence of the “Indestructible” video is one of voyeurism. We watch someone watching something. What they see, and what we see, is often unpleasant; yet, we find entertainment in it. I love storytelling, and as such I enjoy music videos which include a narrative element to support the artwork. However, due to my own interpretation of the story of the song, I wanted to avoid a literal representation of the content on screen. Instead, much like in the ‘Disconnected’ video, I wanted to select a series of motifs which evoke a significant moment in the life of the character, adding colour and shape to the story, whilst leaving the door open as to what it signifies. The audience can bring to the images their own story.”
He continues, “Indestructible is, at its core, about the follies of escapism. Trauma is an agile predator, and no matter how fast you may run, or how well you may hide, it will not cease its pursuit until you turn to face it. Hedonism, indulgence, and debauchery are often the product of a troubled mind; which in itself is no sin, but where might they lead if never challenged?”
Novena exploits fully the world class skills of their talented line-up: Ross Jennings’ (HAKEN) unmatchable voice, to Gareth Mason’s (Slice The Cake) inimitable poetry; Dan Thornton’s (Ex-HAARP Machine, Ex-No Sin Evades His Gaze) blistering guitar work, to Cameron Spence’s (Ravenface) invariably musical drumming, deeply rooted in pop idiom, and unlike anything else in the modern prog scene; from Moat Lowe’s (Slugdge, Ex-NSEHG) expressive and versatile bass playing to Harrison White’s (Theatrical Director and Composer) complex and nuanced compositions. Novena delivers something greater than the sum of its parts.
Novena established themselves on the UK and international prog scenes in 2016 with the release of their widely praised experimental EP “Secondary Genesis” in 2016 and is now ready for a comeback with their sophomore release, “Eleventh Hour”. Performing at high profile concerts like UK-Tech Fest 2016 and 2017, as well as other dates supporting Skyharbor, Vola, Sithu Aye, and others, Novena has been busy establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
“’Eleventh Hour’ is an exploration of twilight, a dance in the space between life and death, a collection of swan songs from people real or imagined. Something that connects us all as human beings is the inevitability of death, and yet we all have our own totally unique experiences of it. Those who have experienced it can never share their stories. Those who have not, cannot contemplate it; all we can do is ask questions and tell stories. ‘Eleventh Hour’ follows the last days of several characters who, whilst separated by space and time, are connected by something greater, says White.
Novena’s music moves from the profound to the profane, from the fragile to the unforgiving, and from the introspective to the utterly destructive, exploring a plethora of different genres along the way. Despite this, every song has a solid and personal identity, with choruses that dare the listener to try and not forget them.
Fans of intelligent, engaging, emotional music will have much to indulge their mind and spirits in with this band. Novena are ready to embark on a tour in support to the spring release of the new album. Dates forthcoming.
