Candlemass - Dactylis Glomerata. 1998 Sweden

A completely unique album for Candlemass, and for metal in general actually. Organ and synthesizers play a big role here, all for the purpose of atmosphere. Crushing riffs are a tribute to early Sabbath, but also to their own Epicus Doomicus Metallicus album. So, you are correct, the powerful front man vocals of prima donna Messiah are nowhere to be found - and perhaps this isn't really a Candlemass album at all. But taken on its own accord, it may be my favorite by them. If you're like me, and always on the lookout for some adventure with your metal, but still within the rails (i.e. not crazy batsh*t stuff) then you too may come to realize how great this album is.

They should have opened the album with the bizarre silent movie styled organ ditty 'Cylinder' with the absolute crushing 'Karthago' following right after. What a sequence!

Ownership: CD: 1998 Music For Nations (UK)

2//06; 2//13 (RYM); 12/29/22 (new entry)

Candlemass - Epicus Doomicus Metallicus. 1986 Sweden

There are times when an album is released that no one could possibly anticipate its historical impact. And that most certainly is the case for Candlemass' debut. In 1986, thrash metal was dominating the underground, and bands were popping up everywhere to be the next Metallica. So what did this unknown band from Sweden do? Slowed it way down, and referenced early 70s Black Sabbath. At the same time they brought interesting lyrical themes and a grandiose approach to the compositions. A genre was born: Epic Doom Metal. It would be many years before anyone even recognized that it was happening. Candlemass had a strong run through the end of the 80s and petered out in the 90s like most metal bands from the decade prior. They floundered along through the early 2000's, only to be held in the highest esteem upon Messiah Marcolin's (brief) return in 2005. By that time Candlemass were the band everyone was chasing to be. When reviewing the music, it's not the heaviest production one can hear, and some ideas are stretched longer than they need to be. But its impact remains timeless, a powerful statement going into strong headwinds. That's the definition of true metal. My personal favorite among the 6 lengthy tracks is 'Under the Oak' which features a massive riff that Iommi would be proud of. Interesting to note that iconic vocalist Marcolin isn't on this debut, but rather a guest by the name of John Langquist. Many consider him Candlemass' best singer. Somewhat similar to Greg Munford and the Strawberry Alarm Clock.

Ownership: LP: 2010 Peaceville (UK); CD: 1992 Leviathan / Black Dragon (USA). The LP is a beautiful gatefold pressed on red vinyl, sounds terrific, and features insightful liner notes for each track inside the centerpiece. Also included is an inner sleeve with historical footnotes. The CD is basic, and I don't even recall how I ended up with it, but I didn't buy it new. It's an early pressing, which has some demand, but I think I'll keep it anyway. The first copy I owned was the original Leviathan LP (USA) purchased while still in college (1987). This was an excellent example of my "silted port" metal LP collection that sat dormant for 25+ years. It comes in a single sleeve that had a huge cut corner. It was one of the few I decided to let go of in recent times, to no regret. Especially now that I have this much superior reissue, that I bought at What's Left the first time I visited the store last year, right after they opened. A great way to start our relationship!

new entry

Candlemass - Ancient Dreams. 1988 Sweden

I reference Candlemass quite a bit, but I've only written about one of their more obscure releases - From the 13th Sun - which isn't even a typical album from them. Unlike many of the metal bands I've been listening to of late, Candlemass is a band I did manage to keep up with real time. In fact I own all their albums except their latest The Door to Doom. Ancient Dreams was released in the middle of their 80s heyday. With the striking Thomas Cole painting and Messiah Marcolin in his prime, Ancient Dreams most assuredly is one of their best albums... right? For me, it's one of my least favorites. And that includes some of their off-the-beaten path albums like the aforementioned From the 13th Sun and Chapter VI. And I say that coming off a recent +1 listen. That is to say, the album is still excellent but it seems like it should be so much more. It may be the production which isn't meaty enough for music such as this. Also it seems the band goes on auto pilot, buys a ticket, and watches Marcolin sing. Doom metal is at its best when it shifts unexpectedly, something Candlemass are masters at - but not so much on Ancient Dreams. Classic Candlemass album worth owning? Absolutely. But not their best effort.

Ownership: LP: 1988 Metal Blade (USA). Single sleeve with a gorgeous cover. Bought this at a local Dallas record show not long after release. Often times I'm surprised that albums such as this aren't that expensive. Though it seems to be heading in that direction. Wouldn't sell mine in any case.

Candlemass - From the 13th Sun. 1999 Sweden

For whatever reason, I find myself more drawn to the Candlemass albums not featuring their marquee singers like Messiah Marcolin and Robert Lowe. Perhaps that's because the band needed to fill the disc with more creative music and less time buying a ticket and watching their gifted singers do what they do.

In particular I'm quite fond of their two late 90s albums, which musically speaking have scant resemblance to their trademarked name. Other than they are bonecrushingly heavy of course. For example, I quite like the use of synthesizers during this era of the band. From the 13th Sun deviates from its predecessor though, and the album is what everyone else says it is (including Candlemass themselves) - an homage to Black Sabbath. The album opens up perfectly with a catchy riff-ramic 'Droid' before launching into the album's masterpiece 'Tot'. Taking 'Black Sabbath' (the song) as a base, they move forward the concept to a whole new level. The bells sound like Notre Dame on Sunday morning, and the foreboding atmosphere is so thick and heavy, one can barely move. Then it bludgeons you deep into the ground over and over. And then about 2/3rds through, the track opens up into a frenzied pace with synthesizers panning side to side, for truly an awe inspiring experience. In my estimation, this is one of Candlemass' finest moments (and the band have quite a few). 'Elephant Star' follows and is a bit too straightforward to make note of. 'Blumma Apt' is another great and varied heavy track and then... ear fatigue sets in.

It's as if all their great ideas were front-loaded, and everything that follows is more or less the same. I tried to compartmentalize each track on its own, but the familiarity was too obvious to ignore. It's a problem most metal bands have, and unfortunately Candlemass fell victim as well. Even the promising looking 9+ minute 'Cyclo-F' disappoints once you've realized it's padded with a drum solo.

Overall, I still enjoy the heck out of this title, the disappointment only reflecting the auspicious opening. Worth the purchase for 'Tot' alone, but everything here is good, just not great.

Ownership: CD: 1999 Music for Nations. Jewel case. Booklet features an artistic aesthetic and recording details.

3//06 (first listen); 3/25/13; 6/27/15; 7/14/18 (review / new entry)