Noveria – Becoming After

Noveria
Becoming After
Label: Scarlet Records
Out: 21^st August 2026
Playing time: 55:25

The progressive power metal band Noveria, from the Italian capital of Rome, has been touring the world since 2013. The press release includes the term ‘cinematic’ to describe their sound. They have released four albums to date. With three new members joining this year, their fifth album, ‘Becoming After’ is set to be released in August. Two renowned guest musicians appear on the album: pianist Mike Moran (Freddie Mercury, Ozzy Osbourne) on ’Through Your Light’ and keyboardist Mistheria (Bruce Dickinson, Vivaldi Metal Project) on ’Cold Flames’.

After a few vocal playfulness, ’The Only Way’ develops into an energetic song. In addition to catchy melodies, there are also some more sophisticated passages. In contrast, ’Convicted To Rise’ has a darker sound. The synth strings in the background are ever-present. There’s no compromise on tempo. Keyboard arrangements also dominate ’Echoes From The Abyss’. Singer Francesco Marino is driven by the drums and fast riffs. Nevertheless, the vocals come across clearly. After some sound gimmicks, ’Cold Flames’ really kicks into high gear. Drummer Paolo Conte is pushed to his limits, which in turn spurs his bandmates on as well. Despite the extensive orchestrations, ’The Viper’s Nest’ is initially one of the hardest-hitting songs. But then things turn quiet and somber. A rich, powerful sound dominates ’Infinite Horizons.’ A magnificent guitar solo is the icing on the cake. ’Through Your Light’ is an epic power ballad that only picks up speed toward the end with a guitar solo. Following the ballad, ’Heavenfall’ is a Metal anthem with ballad-like elements. After these two calmer songs, ’Radiance’ takes things back up to high speeds. However, this isn’t consistent throughout; there are also calmer moments here and there. The title track, ’Becoming After’ is an epic instrumental outro, enriched with high-pitched vocalises.

Fortunately for me, ’Becoming After’ focuses less on progressive elements and more on Cinematic Power Metal. And that does the sound much good. Of course, the progressive influence is noticeable and adds a great amount of variety. The keyboard arrangements push themselves a little too much into the foreground. Less would have been more here.

Noveria – Convicted To Rise: https://youtu.be/3lYehBMZ4LM?si=BtxMdklxGfYdNilR

Lineup:

Francesco Marino – Vocals
Francesco Mattei – Guitar
Paolo Campitelli – Keyboards
Andrea Arcangeli – Bass
Paolo Conte – Drums

Track list:

• The Only Way
• Convicted To Rise     
• Echoes From The Abyss        
• Cold Flames   
• The Viper’s Nest        
• Infinite Horizons        
• Through Your Light  
• Heavenfall      
• Radiance        
• Becoming After