One could hardly have picked up a UK metal mag in the last couple of months without having seen some mention of Norwegian band Octavia Sperati and their new release ‘Winter Enclosure’. Their label, Candlelight Records, (who signed them last August), has certainly gone to town on their promotional activities, ploughing a lot of money into this practically unknown band – the cynical might see it as an attempt to cash in on the trend of ever more successful female fronted bands - currently gaining the attention of the wider metal audience.

Formed in 2000, in Bergen, Norway, the six-piece group reference doom bands as their inspiration, and the influence of these bands is hinted at in Octavia Sperati’s sound. The band produce what could be described as “gothic-doom-lite” – a slow, meandering, atmospheric style of metal with female vocals. Fortunately, the money Candlelight have obviously spent on promoting this album has also been matched in the production – the album does not suffer from the wishy-washy sound that is often found on more low-key goth/doom releases. The guitars are strong and prominent in the mix and the piano that interweaves on many of the tracks compliments the atmospheric sound.

Now for the all-important question however – great production, nice packaging, and extensive promotion of the band…but are they any good? The simple answer to that would be – not really. On first listen of the album it very much washed over me – before I knew it I was at track 7, without having noticed any of the intervening tracks at all. I thought this might change on getting to know the album more, but despite repeated listens, there is still not a single song that really stands out. There’s nothing to object to in particular, there’s just nothing to really recommend it either. There are no great hooks or memorable choruses and the album seems to meander without any purpose. The band do successfully create the feeling of cold wintry wastelands suggested by the album title – their Norwegian home obviously having quite a strong influence. However, the album lacks the power, majesty and “Epic” feel that only the best doom can create - and without that power - their sound falls flat and lifeless. This is a shame. There is nothing wrong with their musicianship and vocalist Silje has a very pleasant voice – it’s just their writing abilities that let them down. The only songs that catch any attention are the combination of the final two tracks – “Without Air (Before)” and “Without Air (After)” - hinting at a more epic sound that in time they may be able to successfully build upon.

A dull and disappointing album at best, and when up against current new releases like Draconian’s wonderful ‘Arcane Rain Fell’, ‘Winter Enclosure’ really can’t compete.

Standout Tracks:  Without Air (Before), Without Air (After).

Overall Score:   5 /10