Candlemass - Death Magic Doom
I'm not supposed to like this but I do. I really, really do.
Fuck it. I REALLY LIKE THIS ALBUM!
A little lesson in metal is necessary before I begin. Candlemass is a band from Sweden with a singer from the States. They've a very rich history of playing some of the best doom metal for the past three decades. Frankly, I don't care much for doom metal. This subgenre's name itself makes me yawn uncontrollably. Funnily enough, I got into this band because one of their 'faster' songs (in doom metal faster means not dirge-like), Lucifer Rising, made me sit up. This is some good shit! The best doom metal I've heard thus far was the mighty Black Sabbath who inadvertently gave birth to this genre and even then they're not considered doom metal.
I really don't know why but right after the fifth time spinning this from start to finish it dawned upon me that this is not only a damn good doom metal album, it's also a damn good album! While the lyrics won't exactly uplift you (it's called doom metal, for crying out loud!) but the way it's sung will make you grasp an invisible microphone and start yelling into your palms. What can I say about the riffs other than they'll make you wince in delight and start headbanging rhythmically to its ominous and foreboding sound.
Leif Edling, who's the ringleader of the band, is felt more than heard. Don't get me wrong, he may be a damn good songwriter (wrote all the music and lyrics for this) but as a bassist, well, thankfully I can get my bass noodling fix from one John Myung of Dream Theater. Yankee Robert Lowe, while doesn't possess a deep baritone voice like the previous vocalist, Messiah Marcolin (awesome stage name!), still has the chops to pull off low- and high- register octaves. I can't find no fault with his performance. The only gripe I can think of is that Hammer of Doom and My Funeral Dreams whilst being incredible songs, sound rather alike especially the chorus. But that's just nitpicking. I'm so sorry, I knew I shouldn't have. Gosh, I feel bad now...
Damnit! If doom metal can sound this so fucking good, then I need more!
Initial Rating: 8/10
Current Rating: 9/10
Fuck it. I REALLY LIKE THIS ALBUM!
A little lesson in metal is necessary before I begin. Candlemass is a band from Sweden with a singer from the States. They've a very rich history of playing some of the best doom metal for the past three decades. Frankly, I don't care much for doom metal. This subgenre's name itself makes me yawn uncontrollably. Funnily enough, I got into this band because one of their 'faster' songs (in doom metal faster means not dirge-like), Lucifer Rising, made me sit up. This is some good shit! The best doom metal I've heard thus far was the mighty Black Sabbath who inadvertently gave birth to this genre and even then they're not considered doom metal.
I really don't know why but right after the fifth time spinning this from start to finish it dawned upon me that this is not only a damn good doom metal album, it's also a damn good album! While the lyrics won't exactly uplift you (it's called doom metal, for crying out loud!) but the way it's sung will make you grasp an invisible microphone and start yelling into your palms. What can I say about the riffs other than they'll make you wince in delight and start headbanging rhythmically to its ominous and foreboding sound.
Leif Edling, who's the ringleader of the band, is felt more than heard. Don't get me wrong, he may be a damn good songwriter (wrote all the music and lyrics for this) but as a bassist, well, thankfully I can get my bass noodling fix from one John Myung of Dream Theater. Yankee Robert Lowe, while doesn't possess a deep baritone voice like the previous vocalist, Messiah Marcolin (awesome stage name!), still has the chops to pull off low- and high- register octaves. I can't find no fault with his performance. The only gripe I can think of is that Hammer of Doom and My Funeral Dreams whilst being incredible songs, sound rather alike especially the chorus. But that's just nitpicking. I'm so sorry, I knew I shouldn't have. Gosh, I feel bad now...
Damnit! If doom metal can sound this so fucking good, then I need more!
Initial Rating: 8/10
Current Rating: 9/10
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