What makes The Knowing by Novembers Doom notable?

The Knowing received critical acclaim upon release and is often noted for its intricate composition and emotional depth within the death-doom genre. It helped to elevate the band's profile in the underground scene, contributing to their long-standing influence on subsequent doom and death metal acts. Released in 2001, The Knowing was Novembers Doom's fourth studio album, following their previous effort, 1999's The Pale Haunt Departure. At this point in their career, the band solidified their signature sound, blending melancholic melodies with heavy, doomy riffs.

Who is The Knowing for?

The Knowing works well if you're into dynamic exploration with emotional peaks, haunting atmosphere for introspection and wave-like pacing for reflection.

How many songs are on The Knowing?

The Knowing has 12 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

The Knowing

Novembers Doom · 2001

63 min · 12 tracks · death-doom

A haunting blend of melodic death metal and doom, layered with introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Awaken — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its ethereal melodies intertwined with crushing riffs, showcasing the band's duality of light and darkness.
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Silent Tomorrow — This track exemplifies Novembers Doom's ability to balance heaviness with melodic beauty, featuring poignant lyrics that explore themes of loss and longing.
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Last God — At nearly ten minutes long, this epic track combines complex arrangements with powerful lyricism, making it a standout representation of the band's artistic vision.
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In Faith — This song captures an emotional intensity through its dynamic shifts between serene passages and aggressive outbursts, reflecting the album's overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and atmospheric layering contribute to its solid standing in the death-doom genre.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a slow to mid-tempo pace, while the sixth track introduces a faster tempo that contrasts with the preceding songs.
Several tracks feature layered guitar harmonies that create a rich, atmospheric soundscape, particularly in 'Shadows of Light' and 'Searching the Betrayal'.
The album includes multiple instrumental interludes that serve as transitions between heavier tracks, enhancing the overall flow.

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: 7/10
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

dynamic exploration with emotional peaks
haunting atmosphere for introspection
wave-like pacing for reflection
heavy riffs that evoke melancholy

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer upbeat, fast-paced experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2001, The Knowing was Novembers Doom's fourth studio album, following their previous effort, 1999's The Pale Haunt Departure. At this point in their career, the band solidified their signature sound, blending melancholic melodies with heavy, doomy riffs.
Stylistic neighbors: My Dying Bride· Anathema· Paradise Lost