What makes Dim Days of Dolor by Sirenia notable?

Dim Days of Dolor received critical acclaim for its intricate compositions and emotional depth, solidifying Sirenia's reputation within the gothic metal scene. The album charted in several countries, reflecting its broad appeal and marking a successful continuation of the band's legacy. Released on November 11, 2016, Dim Days of Dolor is Sirenia's sixth studio album and marks a significant evolution in their sound. Following the departure of longtime vocalist Ailyn and the introduction of new singer Emmanuelle Zoldan, this album showcases a fresh dynamic while maintaining the gothic and symphonic elements that define the band.

Who is Dim Days of Dolor for?

Dim Days of Dolor works well if you're into steady atmospheric progression, haunting orchestral moments and immersive emotional landscapes.

How many songs are on Dim Days of Dolor?

Dim Days of Dolor has 11 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Released 10 years ago this November

Dim Days of Dolor

Sirenia · 2016

56 min · 11 tracks · gothic metal

A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and heavy riffs, enveloping listeners in a dark and ethereal atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Goddess of the Sea — This opening track immediately immerses listeners in Sirenia's signature sound with powerful vocals and sweeping orchestration, setting a dramatic tone for the album.
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Dim Days of Dolor — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of melancholy and introspection, featuring poignant lyrics paired with a haunting melody that lingers long after it ends.
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Treasure n’ Treason — With its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, this track stands out as an anthem of resilience amidst despair, showcasing Sirenia's ability to blend heaviness with melodic hooks.
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Ashes to Ashes — This song highlights the band's lyrical depth as it explores themes of loss and rebirth, marked by a powerful vocal performance that elevates its emotional impact.
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Fifth Column — Closing the album, this track combines atmospheric instrumentation with thought-provoking lyrics, leaving listeners with a sense of unresolved tension that resonates beyond the final notes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and production, though it remains within established gothic metal conventions.

What we noticed

The album opens with a symphonic introduction that sets a dark tone, followed by heavy guitar riffs that establish the gothic metal sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady atmospheric progression
haunting orchestral moments
immersive emotional landscapes
mood-driven deep focus

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on November 11, 2016, Dim Days of Dolor is Sirenia's sixth studio album and marks a significant evolution in their sound. Following the departure of longtime vocalist Ailyn and the introduction of new singer Emmanuelle Zoldan, this album showcases a fresh dynamic while maintaining the gothic and symphonic elements that define the band.
Stylistic neighbors: Epica· Nightwish· Within Temptation