CANDLEMASS - Death Thy Lover

June 10, 2016, 7 years ago

(Napalm)

Kelley Simms

Rating: 8.0

review heavy metal candlemass

CANDLEMASS - Death Thy Lover

Swedish doom metal legends, Candlemass, has endured as many triumphs as they have setbacks throughout its 30-plus year career. Achieving immediate cult-like status with 1986’s monumental Epicus Dommicus Matallicus, the band endured vocalist changes, hiatuses and numerous reunions since its release. Although the band’s musical landscape shifted a little bit with each new singer, new vocalist Mats Levén (Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion) carries the weight well and his tenure adds yet another new chapter to the band’s career. 

4-track EP Death Thy Lover explores Candelmass’s old school roots, especially on “Sleeping Giant” and “Sinister N Sweet,” pulling off several classic Candlemass-isms perfectly, without sounding dated. Levén’s range essentially gives the band a more vibrant approach compared to what Messiah Marcolin and Robert Lowe gave them. Thankfully, the band’s calculated, Sabbathian doom-riffing is still intact, while injecting copious amounts of powerful melodies as well. Death Thy Lover will leave you wanting more, and judging by this material, hopefully the EP is a precursor for even better things to come from Candlemass.



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