What makes Hamartia by Novembers Doom notable?

Hamartia received positive critical acclaim, with several reviews noting its rich compositions and emotional depth. It debuted at number 22 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, reflecting its impact within the metal scene and solidifying Novembers Doom's reputation as a leading act in the death-doom genre. Released on January 1, 2017, Hamartia is Novembers Doom's eighth studio album, following their 2014 release, Bled White. This album marks a continued evolution in their sound, integrating more atmospheric elements while maintaining their signature heavy style. As the band navigated a shifting music landscape, they showcased both maturity and experimentation in their songwriting.

Hamartia works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, haunting atmospheric immersion and focused listening for depth.

How many songs are on Hamartia?

Hamartia has 10 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Hamartia

Novembers Doom · 2017

56 min · 10 tracks · death-doom

A haunting blend of melodic death-doom undercurrents and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke deep emotional landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Devils Light — This track opens the album with an intense display of heavy riffs and haunting melodies, setting the thematic tone for the entire record. Its powerful instrumentation intertwines with evocative lyrics that explore darker themes.
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Hamartia — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of personal flaws and moral dilemmas through intricate guitar work and emotive vocal delivery. Its structure shifts between crushing heaviness and melodic introspection, embodying the essence of the band's sound.
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Miasma — This track showcases a dynamic range of tempo changes and layers of instrumentation, illustrating the band's technical prowess while delving into themes of decay and despair. The balance between aggression and melody here serves as a hallmark of their artistry.

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 combines atmospheric elements with heavy riffs, showcasing strong craftsmanship and emotional depth.

What we noticed

The album opens with a heavy, distorted guitar riff that sets a dark tone, followed by melodic elements introduced in the second track.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that build atmosphere before transitioning into more aggressive passages.
The use of layered vocals, alternating between growls and clean singing, creates dynamic contrasts throughout the record.
The final track features a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for an expansive conclusion that echoes earlier themes.

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 3/10

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

wave-like pacing with peaks
haunting atmospheric immersion
focused listening for depth
cathartic emotional release

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2017, Hamartia is Novembers Doom's eighth studio album, following their 2014 release, Bled White. This album marks a continued evolution in their sound, integrating more atmospheric elements while maintaining their signature heavy style. As the band navigated a shifting music landscape, they showcased both maturity and experimentation in their songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: My Dying Bride· Anathema· Paradise Lost