After a six-year silence, Novembers Doom has returned with a vengeance. Their 12th studio album, Major Arcana, isn’t just another record—it’s a deep, thematic journey that pulls from the world of tarot and divination. It’s a sonic expedition into archetypes, human weakness, and the unseen forces that shape our lives. And it’s heavy, not just in its formidable guitar tone but also in its emotional weight.
The album starts with „June,“ a haunting instrumental that sets an uneasy mood with whispers and a foreboding piano melody. It feels like the calm before a storm or the moment the tarot reader flips that first card. From there, the album plunges you into a full immersion of Novembers Doom’s signature sound: a powerful blend of death-doom, progressive darkness, and brooding gothic textures.
A Masterclass in Dynamics
One of Major Arcana’s strongest traits is its seamless transition between crushing brutality and delicate, sorrowful moments. Tracks like “Ravenous” bring the aggression with snarling growls and dense, tense riffing. In contrast, songs like “Mercy” and “Bleed Static” drift into more melodic, mournful spaces, filled with clean vocals, plaintive guitar lines, and atmospheric touches that linger long after the music fades.
“Bleed Static,” in particular, is a standout. Its longer runtime allows it to build gradually, giving both quiet and devastating moments room to breathe. It’s one of those songs that feels like it reveals more with each listen.
Thematic Depth and Flawless Production
The tarot theme isn’t heavy-handed, but it’s a constant presence. It colors the lyrics, the artwork, and the song titles (“The Fool,” “XXII”), shaping the emotional arcs of the album. This isn’t about literal fortune-telling but rather the symbolism behind it—the exploration of decisions, fate, and the forces we can’t quite see.
From a production standpoint, Major Arcana is a gem. The mix is clean but heavy, with thick guitars that avoid muddiness. The drums are dynamic, carrying both thunderous passages and more restrained moments. Paul Kuhr’s vocal work is particularly strong; he moves effortlessly between harsh growls and clean, emotive delivery, heightening the album’s sense of both drama and melancholy.
While some critics note the back half of the album might feel slightly less focused than the front, lacking some of the earlier tracks‘ immediate punch or variation, Novembers Doom still manages to keep their signature tension alive.
For longtime fans, Major Arcana is a satisfying return. It reminds you why Novembers Doom has endured for so long: they can evoke both the raw aggression and the profound sadness, the growl and the cry. It’s not perfect—few albums are—but it feels alive. In an era where many bands have plateaued, Novembers Doom continues to stretch their creative muscles.
If you approach Major Arcana with patience, you’ll find an album that truly rewards. Ready to pull a card?
Stream the Album on Spotify: