UMUR "Candlemass" is the eponymously titled 8th full-length studio album by Swedish doom metal act Candlemass. The album was released through Nuclear Blast Records in May 2005. It´s the successor to "From the 13th Sun" from 1999 and features massive lineup changes since the predecessor and a major change in sound. Candlemass had been through a decade of lineup changes, a break-up in 1994, the Leif Edling side-project Abstract Algebra, and experimentation with their sound, which resulted in the albums "Chapter VI (1992)", "Dactylis Glomerata (1998)", and "From the 13th Sun (1999)". "Candlemass" however sees a return of the classic lineup from the late 80s, which also means a return of lead vocalist Messiah Marcolin.

The classic lineup reunited in 2002 and played some live shows, which resulted in the release of the live album "Doomed for Live – Reunion 2002" from 2003. Candlemass subsequently started working on material for a new studio album, but soon disbanded again. They however reunited in November 2004 for a second time in the classic 80s lineup and completed writing and recording the material featured on this album.

Stylistically the material on "Candlemass" is a continuation of the epic doom metal sound of the previous Marcolin-fronted Candlemass albums, but the band have opted for a darker, less epic, and more riff heavy sound this time around. "Black Dwarf" opens the album in an energetic and quite aggressive fashion (for Candlemass), and it´s a high quality opening track. Other standout tracks are "Seven Silver Keys", "Witches" and "Copernicus". There are a couple of more standard quality tracks on the album, but the quality of the material is predominantly high and fully on par with the quality of the material on the three other Marcolin-fronted Candlemass albums.

The musicianship is high on all posts. The rhythm section is heavy and solid, the riffs are massive, and the lead guitar work from Lars Johansson is exquisite. Marcolin is THE voice of Candlemass, and his vocals on this album are more varied but just as powerful and unique as always. He has a distinct sounding voice and a commanding semi-operatic delivery, and the vocal melodies are intriguing and memorable. As "Candlemass" also features a high quality sound production (maybe the best production on any Candlemass album), it is upon conclusion a high quality release through and through. This is in other words a mandatory listen for fans of the band´s classic sound, and the fans who fled the ranks during the musical experimentation of the 90s, are advised to return to the fold. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

Warthur The reunion between Candlemass and Messiah Marcolin may have been brief, but it did produce one of the band's best albums. Right from the opening Black Dwarf, you can tell that this isn't one of the band's darker and more serious albums - how grimdark can you really be with lyrics like "hate fiend on dope"? - but the sheer sense of fun the album brings to the table is irrepressible. Even though the reunion wasn't to last, the gang are clearly happy to be together if only briefly for one last bash and the end result is doom metal which is crunchingly heavy but at the same time ridiculously catchy.

Time Signature Born in a tank...

Genre: epic doom metal

After the more psychedelically inspired "From the 13th Sun" and a hiatus, Candlemass return to their trademark brand of epic doom metal on this eponymous release.

This album also saw the establishment of the format of starting out with an uptempo track in "Black Dwarf" while the rest of the album is considerably heavier - a format also found on the two subsequent Rob Lowe-fronted albums. Speaking of vocalists, Messiah Marcolin returned to take up vocal duties on this album, and with his operatic and grandiose voice, he certainly adds to the epic dimension (but, of course, he would soon be booted from the band for what they considered 'insane behavior').

While the style certainly is reminiscent of the epic releases of the 80s, I think that this album does not qute measure up to classics like "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus", "Ancient Dreams" and "Tales of Creation". That is not to say that this is not a good album - there are plenty of awesome good ole Candlemass doomy things on it, and tracks like the uptempo "Black Dwarf", the epic "Assassin of the Light", the darkly mellow "Copernicus" and the heavy "The Day and the Night" as well as the instrumental "The Man Who Fell from the Sky" are prime examples of what good doom metal should sound like.

So, this certainly is an important release by Candlemass, marking their return to the arena of epic doom metal - and, being the only post Y2K album fronted by Marcolin, it should also be of interest to long term fans of the band and Marcolin.

arcane-beautiful his was my first Candlemass album, and hopefully not my last.

This album has always been special for me, but it only damned on me last night, when I listened to it for th 4th or 5th time, that yea, it is pretty much perfection.

Now theirs some moments where I’m like, “ok, that’s not the best,” but they always make up for it.

I only have 2 albums of these guys and I badly need a few more, so I need recommendations (shout for suggestions on what I should get next haha).

But yea, this album never fails to amaze me, even with a quite dull cover, the album really is such an exciting experience, and Candlemass’ own special brand of doom, and comparing it with most generic doom bands out these days, it’s always good to know that Candlemass will never fail to disappoint.

1. Black Dwarf – That main riff sets the whole album up really. Such power, and amazing vocals from Messiah. The song just oozes power and excitement. This song is one of those ones that when they come on, you just head band till you can head bang no more. 10/10

2. 7 Silver Keys – The guitar melodies are quite beautiful. Great chorus and arrangement. 10/10

3. Assassin Of The Light – Such power in the chorus, especially from Messiah. Great kick ass moments. 10/10

4. Copernicus – One of the more dramatic moments. Such a great arrangement and just classic droning doom mixed with Sabbath like power. 10/10

5. The Man Who Fell From The Sky – You know, for a bit of a repetitive instrumental, this ain’t half bad. 9/10

6. Witches – Great chorus and good lyrics. Great vocals, as usual from Messiah. 10/10

7. Born In A Tank – Not too much of a fan of the lyrics. But nonetheless, a pretty kick ass song. 9/10

8. Spellbreaker – One of the most dramatic songs. This has a lot of twists and turns, but it only adds to the amazement of the song. I think this is the best song on the album, great lyrics too. 10/10

9. The Day & The Night – Great dramatic ending. Great arrangement and just an amazing end to an amazing album. 10/10

CONCLUSION: I don’t think I will ever tire of this album, and to be honest, this maybe one of my favourite albums of all time…see why I need to hear more of these guys haha.

gatekeeper These forefathers of modern doom return with Messiah Marcolin back in the fold. This release will garner a huge reception from long time fans as Candlemass revisit their classic doom sound with an album that rivals their legendary “Nightfall” record.

From the up-tempo, sinister chugging of “Black Dwarf” to the somber and huge sounding drone of “Seven Silver Keys”, Candlemass recapture the vibe that fans enjoyed so much before. Messiah voice is in fine form, his distinctively dark operatic style making for the perfect fit to the ominous tone of this group’s music, particularly on “Assassin Of The Light”.

The brilliant, epic track “Copernicus” stands among the greatest that the group has penned to date. In its towering riffing and subtle dynamics, you will find the epitome of all that is doom.

Many modern acts that have been influenced by Candlemass see the art form as a contest to discover who can play the slowest, but oftentimes, these bands are missing the point. In order to compose doom metal successfully, one must pay heed to the fact that the sound is not merely based upon tempo, but also upon arrangement and the overall vibe which the song produces. With this track, the group revives a feeling that has not been heard since their first album, the hallowed “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus”.

If one needs further proof that this is one of the most crushing platters of woe filled doom on record, look no further than the monumental, vastly heavy “Witches”, a track which finds the band expanding upon Sabbathisms in order to create a frighteningly crushing tone.

With this fine return to form, Candlemass have managed to place themselves once again atop the mountain of doom, looking down upon each of us with a foreboding presence. Do not hesitate in seeking out this fine slab of somberness for one second.