Candlemass is a doom metal band established in Stockholm in 1984 by bassist, songwriter and bandleader Leif Edling and drummer Matz Ekström. The band had a defining influence on doom metal, and the genre itself is named after their 1986 debut album Epicus Doomicus Metallicus. Since then, the band has been to numerous lineup changes and hiatus periods but it remains a defining force of the doom genre, specially the epic doom. The last studio album Psalms for the Dead was released back in 2012. But Leif Edling has also been busy with several other projects (Krux, Avatarium, Doomsday Kingdom), not to mention two Candlemass EPs (2016 and 2018) featuring Mats Levén on vocals. On September 2018, Candlemass announced the return of Johan Langquist to the band after a 32 year hiatus. One year later, the band is releasing their 12th studio album The Door To Doom.
The first full-length to feature Mr. Längqvist since 1986 is a 50-minute love statement to the original roots of Doom Metal. There are no frills or sidetracks, it's just 8 tracks of pure doom metal at its best.
The thick slow tempo opening riffs of "Splendor Demon Majesty" are followed by a groovy fast tempo riff. At this point you know you are in for a doom overdose. Längqvist's vocals are powerful and different than the ones from previous singers. It's less operatic, more striped down, low register approach. "Under The Ocean" starts like many Candlemass classics with a slow paced singing over acoustic guitars, but soon explodes into one of the most engaging verses on the album. It's heavy and yet dynamic as the slower tempo comes back at the mid section which reinforces its heaviness. The drumming in this track is relentless and the guitar solo very well crafted. "Astorolus - The Great Octopus" was the single released before the album and appears third on the record. It features a guitar solo by the legend Tony Iommi. It's again a dynamic song and, no surprisingly, with a Sabbath vibe. The very strong chorus and the solos are the highlights. Then, the shortest song on the record, "Bridge Of The Blind" is a beautiful acoustic, slow tempo song that reminds me of Judas Priest ballads from their early albums. A very heavy intro riff (I love this guitar tone) of "Death's Wheel" follows dictating a nice groove. It's an up tempo song that reminds me of the polished and modern-ish sound of Grand Magus. Fun fact: the 'yeah come on' screen at 5:10 is pure Dio! "Black Trinity" instrumental break with tribal pounding drums supporting the guitar noises is the highlight of this song. Then we get to track seven "House Of Doom" which was previously released as part of the EP of the same name featuring previous singer Mats Levén. The original version is included as bonus track. It's a good song but I am not sure why it had to be re-recorded and added here. The other songs of the EP were also added but as bonus tracks and that's a more suitable strategy. The longest track "The Omega Circle" with over seven minutes closes the album with the old school epic doom vibe. The final minute of the song is certainly an homage to Sabbath's Masters of Reality. Excellent choice.
While it's pretty much a "back to the roots" album, The Door to Doom is not a retro affair. The production is modern, the vocals are powerful and clear (sometimes reminding of Jørn Lande or Dio). Throughout the record we can hear the diversity of Leif experiences influencing his song writing. Like the modern "Death's Wheel" or the Avatarium-like "Black Trinity" and "The Omega Circle". Throughout the album your attention is retained by great song writing, precise execution and different colors out of Mr. Edling doom pallet. The album cover completes the experience. The simplicity and yet well thought design in addition to great color combination makes it the cherry on top of this doom cake. During this decade we were blessed with some powerful comeback albums, and The Door to Doom is no different. You can count as a comeback of Längqvist or as the newest release in almost seven years, the fact is the album is a superb addition to Candlemass' celebrated discography.
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