What makes Ordeal by Skepticism notable?

'Ordeal' received critical acclaim for its expansive compositions and atmospheric depth, further reinforcing Skepticism's influence on the funeral doom subgenre. It debuted in a strong position within the metal community, often cited in discussions surrounding the evolution of doom metal and praised by various music reviewers for its immersive qualities. By the time 'Ordeal' was released in 2015, Skepticism had solidified their place in the doom metal genre following a long hiatus since their previous studio album, 'Alloy' (2008). This release marked their return to the forefront of the scene, showcasing their signature blend of funeral doom and atmospheric elements while continuing to evolve their sound.

Ordeal works well if you're into haunting introspection through slow pacing, long, meditative listening experiences and immersive soundscapes for deep reflection.

How many songs are on Ordeal?

Ordeal has 16 tracks, running approximately 158 minutes.

Ordeal

Skepticism · 2015

158 min · 16 tracks · doom metal

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with crushingly slow riffs, creating an atmosphere of haunting introspection and heavy melancholy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its lengthy, meditative build-up leading to a powerful emotional climax that encapsulates the band's signature style.
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The Departure — This track embodies a perfect balance between melodic melancholy and heavy instrumentation, showcasing Skepticism's ability to create tension and release.
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The March and the Stream — As one of the longest pieces on the album, it explores dynamic shifts in volume and pace, reflecting both despair and hope throughout its expansive duration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's expansive compositions and atmospheric depth contribute to its strong presence in the doom metal genre.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks, often exceeding ten minutes, allowing for gradual build-ups and atmospheric shifts.
Each track employs a slow tempo with minimalistic instrumentation, creating a heavy, immersive soundscape.
Several tracks utilize repetitive motifs that evolve subtly over time, enhancing the sense of introspection and melancholy.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

haunting introspection through slow pacing
long, meditative listening experiences
immersive soundscapes for deep reflection
cathartic journeys through melancholy

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat and fast tempos
want concise, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Ordeal' was released in 2015, Skepticism had solidified their place in the doom metal genre following a long hiatus since their previous studio album, 'Alloy' (2008). This release marked their return to the forefront of the scene, showcasing their signature blend of funeral doom and atmospheric elements while continuing to evolve their sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Evoken· My Dying Bride· Ahab