Album of the Day #21 Candlemass -Epicus Doomicus Metallicus

The roots of doom metal undesputedly leads back to Black Sabbath. But it used to be a very narrow genre where you could almost count the major contributors on one hand. Candlemass was one of these contibutors. In my universe, I hold their first four albums as some of the best ever. And to me genre defining long after internal conflicts and setbacks rendered them non-operational. It's almost unbelievable 30 years has passed since they entered the scene. And I still remember first time I heard the characteristic tunes from the swedes.

Candlemass -Epicus Doomicus Metallicus (1986)

I used to own the original pressing of this beast on vinyl. It was originally released on Black Dragon out of France, and it was heavy. Unfortunately a girl I knew ran off with it. I could have killed for less. Instead I ended up buying a promotional CD, released for the greek market second hand many years later. I don't know what is more rare.

There are a number of things that sets this album apart from their later efforts. First off, the sound is ice cold. At the time it was recorded, I would have expected a lot warmer sound, but no. I don't think anyone matched it at the time. Second, it is the only record Johan Längquist did the vocals. Later replaced by the notorious Messiah Marcolin. Johan has a decent voice and I was happy to see them on tour a couple of years ago featuring him on vocals.

It is an album packed with nostalgia for me. No fillers, only killers. Original for it's time and still kicks me in the right places.

Tracklisting

Solitude
Demons Gate
Crystal Ball
Black Stone Wielder
Under the Oak
A Sorcerer's Pledge