In 2005, doom metal legends Candlemass got back on their feet with their self-titled effort, which featured the return of vocalist Messiah Marcolin. One of the primary reasons for the band’s rise to the top of the genre during the late 80s, Nightfall, Ancient Dreams, and Tales Of Creation are still considered the be-all, end-all of doom metal. Of course, all good things come to an end, and in this case, the loss of Marcolin for the second time a year later was that ending. With Marcolin out of the picture, this could have been the nail in the coffin for Candlemass.

Instead, they quickly found a replacement in Solitude Aeturnus vocalist Robert Lowe. 2007’s King Of The Grey Islands was a decent effort, but something seemed to be missing. Whether it was the uninspired riffs or the lack of a strong presence from Lowe, the album received a lukewarm response from fans and critics. Fast-forward two short years later and Candlemass has come back with Death Magic Doom, their strongest album in years. If anybody was hesitant about the future of Candlemass after Marcolin’s departure, Death Magic Doom will silence any and all doubters.

Candlemass wastes no time with the speedy opener “If I Ever Die,” which has a thrashy undertone to it. Lowe takes full command of the proceedings and never loosens his tight grasp. A fast beginning was a smart move; a guaranteed method to swiftly get the listener’s attention. The band tries their hand at another fast-paced number later in the album, “Dead Angel,” with equally notable results.

It wouldn’t be a Candlemass album without slow, calculating doom metal and the band doesn’t disappoint. “Hammer Of Doom” is the definition of classic doom, starting off low-key and measured, before erupting with a blazing middle section with fantastic lead work from Lars “Lasse” Johansson. Not a note is wasted or a dull second to be had. “The Bleeding Baroness” weaves a morbid tale of blood, death, and evil, while the melodic closer “My Funeral Dreams” is a horrifying trip into the dreams of a haunted figure, a cold atmosphere enhanced by keyboards and well-placed clean electric passages.

The band has never sounded better, but the MVP of Death Magic Doom is vocalist Robert Lowe. Lowe sounded out of place on King Of The Grey Islands, but completely puts his heart into Death Magic Doom and easily pulls out one of the best performances of his career. Candlemass was smart to pick him up, as he has the right range and tone to fit the depressing nature of the band.

It has been a great year for doom metal, with Heaven And Hell showing that Dio, Iommi, Butler, and Appice still got it after 17 years and My Dying Bride bringing the violin back to add texture and dimensions that have been missing since Like Gods Of The Sun. Candlemass may not get the attention that these bands receive, but for over two decades, the quintet has been cranking out epic and dark doom metal that seems to get better and better as time goes on. After the misstep of King Of The Grey Islands, Death Magic Doom is what Candlemass needed to show their fan base that this sinister train still has some steam left in it.

Rating: 8/10
Label: Nuclear Blast
Web Site: http://www.myspace.com/candlemass

By Dan Marsicano

source: SMN News