When one speaks the name Traditional Doom Metal, one name should obviously spring to mind - 'Candlemass'. This band from Sweden re-introduced many foundations that Black Sabbath and Angel Witch produced *power chords*, to a new generation. When the band Nemesis broke up in 1985, bassist Leif Edling turned around and formed Candlemass'.

One year later, their debut album Epicus Doomicus Metallicus set a presidence among the Doom Metal community. Their lumbering riffs combined with an operatic baritone voice set the stage for many a Doom act to follow. The beginning of the album is rather deceptive. It begins with 'Solitude', a beautiful acoustic melody which then rips into mayhem. Not since the days of Black Sabbath's Iron Man had we been treated to the most depressive and doom-ridden downtuned riff. This is also evident on 'Demon's Gate', 'Crystal Ball' and 'Under the Oak'. However, there has been severe criticism in terms of vocalist Johan Lanquist. He failed to show the power that was needed for their sound. None-the-less, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is a landmark album in the Doom Metal genre.

The entry of vocalist Messiah Marcolin in 1986 was just meant to be. His voice became the trademark for 'Candlemass' and quite rightly so. Their second album Nightfall broke even more ground in the Doom Metal genre. Marcolin's religious lyrics slotted perfectly against Edling's amazing power chords. This is shown in perfection on 'Well of Souls', Samarithan' and 'Bewitched'. I'm rather fond of their rendition of Chopin's 'Marche Funebre'. Not to be outdone in the last part of the album 'At the Gallows End' and 'Dark are the Veils of Death' deliver the great Doom punch. This album is a must have.

'Candlemass' managed to escape the 'dreaded 3rd album syndrome' by producing another compelling masterpiece. Ancient Dreams was presented to Doom Metal fans in 1988. It doesn't quite grip the listener as their previous albums, but the end result is an album which grows on you. Key tracks are 'The Bells of Acheron', 'Mirror Mirror', 'Bearer of Pain' and 'Darkness in Paradise'. Overall I like Ancient Dreams a lot. However, if you're starting out listening to them, I would recommend their earlier works instead.

Tales of Creation is seen as the 3rd installment in the 'Candlemass' trilogy, even though it is their fourth album release. It is exceptionally produced, although one complaint has been that there are too many spoken word passages throughout the album. Putting that aside though, Tales of Creation is yet another key Doom Metal album, with songs like 'Dark Reflections', Through the Infinitive Halls of Death' and the re-recording of 'Under the Oak'. This was originally on Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, but as previously mentioned the vocals of Johan Lanquist did not do this justice. The version on Tales of Creation with Messiah Marcolin is just brilliant.

The departure of Marcolin on Chapter VI, to me leaves a huge gap with their sound. Along with this went their doomy sound I believe. Tomas Vikstrom tried and gave a moderate performance, but the energy and power was lacking. Still, in saying that Chapter VI has some okay songs. 'Where the Runes Still Speak and 'Julie Laughs No More' offer Candlemass' a glimpse of their success back in the late 1980s. Even with guitarist Lars Johansson tries to salvage it with some good skills, but all in all, this album seems dull.

Not too long after Chapter VI, 'Candlemass' disbanded. Leif Edling went on with Abstrakt Algebra and other members were seen in Zoic and Memento Mori. Edling's Power Metal band did not do as well as expected so he breathed life into the 'Candlemass' name with a new line up. Dactylis Glomerata, and From the 13th Sun, released in 1998 and 1999 respectivly, are good metal albums, but do not showcase the pure Doom Metal style that they used to have. Many fans have shunned these albums. I personally am not that fond of them either.

Thankfully now Messiah Marcolin is back with them. In 2002 Messiah re-joined 'Candlemass' for their first live gig in ages. This took place at the outstanding Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg; Sweden. Another reason why this was outstanding was that I WAS THERE !! Yes indeed I was. The fields surrounding the stage set for 'Candlemass' was filled to overflowing. The atmospher was, well I'm still buzzing about it and it happened 1 year ago. I wasn't too sure to begin with how well Doom Metal would work at a huge open air festival. I soon found out though. Marcolin's voice echoed throughout the air and the chilling melodies matched it in unison. Hearing him sing the songs from Epicus Doomicus Metallicus was magic. Even though that album is a true classic, hearing Marcolin's voice with that raised the roof so to speak. I'm unsure of how long they played for as it felt like hours upon hours. I was awestruck. To put it simply they 'rocked', and they rocked hard and put out some of the best Doom Metal ever. If people doubted their power and metalness then they would've been dealt a very severe slap in the face. 'Candlemass' are pure Doom!

...though the Sabbath is near
twelve strokes for Candlemass darkness descends...

 

Below I'll list all their albums, and along side I will give my own personal rating:

1986 - Epicus Doomicus Metallicus 5/5
1987 - Nightfall 5/5
1988 - Ancient Dreams 4.8/5
1989 - Tales of Creation 4.8/5
1990 - Live
1992 - Chapter IV 3.5/5
1994 - The Bestof Candlemass As It Is, As It Was (Compilation)
1998 - Dactylis Glomerata 3/5
1999 - From The 13th Sun 3/5