CANDLEMASS - Candlemass
April 21, 2005, 19 years ago
(Nuclear Blast)
After 16 years, the classic lineup has recorded another studio effort, their debut for Nuclear Blast. Unlike so many "reunions" this disc is worth the wait (or maybe considering Messiah Marcolin, that should be weight). While not merely mimicking the past, Candlemass haven't forgotten it either. Leading off, 'Black Dwarf' is an uptempo gem with lots of groove and plenty of bottom end power. Already in the live set, the band is contemplating it as the onstage opener. THAT should say everything! While the likes of 'Born In A Tank' and bonus track 'Mars And Volcanos' all inhabit similar upbeat paces (in whole, or part), the remainder is the vintage, bass-laden (leaden?) doom associated with the Swedes. 'The Day And The Night' could be an undiscovered original Sabbath track, apart from possessing a real singer. Simple, primordial and boy can Marcolin wail! Lots of extensive guitar work throughout the nine proper tunes too, although 'The Man Who Fell From The Sky' is a 3:37 instrumental.
