Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Novembers Doom - The Pale Haunt Departure - 2005 - The End Records

Track Listing1. The Pale Haunt Departure 2. Swallowed By The Moon 3. Autumn Reflection 4. Dark World Burden 5. In The Absence Of Grace 6. Dead Leaf Echo, The 7. Through A Child's Eyes 8. Collapse Of The Falling Throe

November’s Doom started pounding the metal world’s ears in the early 90s and need little or no introduction. Metal fans of modern doom metal know all to well the capabilities of November’s Doom. “The Pale Haunt Departure” is yet another soul crushing release from these doom masters. Without a doubt ND is a band that is moving to the top of its genre. This is the fifth release from November’s Doom and perhaps their strongest to date. This time out the doom masters pulled no punches by having Dan Swano (Edge of Sanity, Bloodbath and Nightingale) mix the disc. As if Swano was not enough the band brought in legendary metal guitarist James Murphy (Testament, Obituary, Disincarnate and Death) to handle the mastering duties.

The title track kicks off the CD with powerful, pounding drums that are complimented by heavy guitars. We are taken hand in hand into a sorrowful and dramatic song that sets the mood for the entire disc. During your experience the music will weave in and out of beautiful, baritone tone voices and deep, legibly growled vocals. You will be subjected to the true emotions of singer Paul Kuhr. It is my believe that this it the strongest performance to date from Kuhr. His vocals are full of depth and emotion and are a strong point on “The Pale Haunt Departure”.

The mix Swano did on this CD is typical of his work. The guitar tones thrusts the listener into beautiful passages of captivating sorrow. Hollow moods are set by a variety of methods. After the heavy, distorted guitars crush your soul they leave and allow the acoustics to drag you deeper into the cauldron of doom. The strummed acoustic guitars are arranged well and help set the moods throughout the entire CD. Guitarists Vito Marchese and Larry Roberts are a credit to their craft. Also worth noting is that Dan Swano contributed a guitar solo at the end of “Dark World Burden”.

I would recommend this CD to anyone. Any fan of modern doom should have no difficulty losing themselves in the sounds of November’s Doom. Songs like “Swallowed by the Moon” and “Autumn Reflections” are haunting standout tracks that are well written and tightly executed. The lyrics of “Through a Child’s Eyes” are some of the most thought provoking lyrics I have heard in a long time. I hear cries of despair, fear, regret and sorrow. Please, when the time comes, get doomed by the sounds and emotions of November’s Doom.


--Gregory 04.29.05