Novembers Doom | Major Arcana | Prophecy Productions

Release Date: September 19, 2025

Format: CD, Vinyl

Genre: Doom Metal, Dark Metal

Country: United States

Novembers Doom has walked a long road since their early days in Chicago. Formed by Paul Kuhr in 1989, the band grew from the American death doom underground into one of the most recognizable names in dark metal. Their path has taken them through heavy, sorrow-laden albums, melancholic atmospheres and steady growth across decades. "Major Arcana" arrives as their twelfth full length, six years after "Nephilim Grove", carrying the familiar bleakness that has always marked their work while opening a new chapter through the tarot inspired concept that shapes the album’s tone and imagery.

"Major Arcana" presents Novembers Doom in a fully settled creative space. The band leans into their trademark mixture of heaviness and emotional weight, shifting between harsh vocals, sorrowful melodies and patient pacing. Nothing is detached from the story they want to tell. The songs move through darkness in different shades, sometimes crushing, sometimes pained, sometimes strangely reflective, always tied to the album’s atmosphere. The lyrical approach stays focused on the tarot concept, using symbolism to give each song its own narrative space without drifting into detached abstraction.

The album’s range is one of its strongest qualities. Tracks like "Ravenous" and "Bleed Static" strike hard with their heavier approach, while pieces such as "Mercy" or "The Dance" sink into melancholy and resignation. "The Fool" and "Dusking Day" bring a livelier swing, keeping the record from falling into a single emotional direction. This variety gives the album a steady flow from beginning to end, maintaining interest without relying on drastic stylistic shifts. The band balances aggression and sadness naturally, using each side of their sound to deepen the album’s atmosphere.

Production keeps the music grounded. Vocals sit clearly in the mix, guitars sound massive without turning the sound into chaos and the rhythm section pushes the music forward with weight and restraint. The album is unified, not stitched together, and the performances hold a mature character that fits the long running history of Novembers Doom. Nothing tries to be flashy. Instead, the band relies on lived experience and strong songwriting to build a coherent album that rewards attention.

"Major Arcana" stands as a confident return for Novembers Doom, a dark metal album that respects the band’s legacy without falling into formula. It is heavy, emotional and thoughtfully crafted, offering plenty to sink into for anyone who has followed them through the years. The tarot concept adds color without overwhelming the music, giving the album a personality that fits its somber nature.

Score: 9.0