Epicus Doomicus Metallicus
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Epic doom metal | ||||
Length | 42:51 | |||
Label | Black Dragon | |||
Producer | Ragne Wahlquist and Candlemass | |||
Candlemass chronology | ||||
|
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is the debut album of the Swedish
Production
In 1985, the members of Candlemass began writing the songs "Under the Oak", "Crystal Ball", "Demons Gate" and "Dark Reflections" in
In February 1986, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus was recorded at Thunderload Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, with producer Ragne Wahlquist from the metal band Heavy Load.[4] Still without a regular vocalist, Johan Längqvist performed the vocals despite not hearing any of the music the band had performed beforehand.[4]
Musical style
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus' differs from other European metal bands who were known for "playing at breakneck speeds and screaming in a high-pitched frenzy".[5] Candlemass' album features slower riffs and vocals delivered in a "baritone, operatic style".[5] The opening song "Solitude" features lyrics revolving around themes of suicide and depression.[5]
Release
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus was released on 10 June 1986 on
The album has been re-issued in several formats. These include a re-issue by Powerline Records in 2002 that included a bonus disc of a live performance recorded in Birmingham in 1988.[4] In 2011, the album was re-issued by Peaceville Records with an expanded booklet and the same bonus disc.[7]
Reception
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [5] |
Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal | 7/10[8] |
Pitchfork | 8.4/10[9] |
Eduardo Rivadavia of the online music database AllMusic referred to the album as "a pillar of classic '80s metal" offering "the strongest, most consistent songwriting of the band's career", although it "was let down by vocalist Johan Längqvist, whose performance failed to deliver with the power and command of his immediate successor Messiah Marcolin."[5] Canadian reviewer Martin Popoff lauded the "new expression of doom as black as Black Sabbath" and the executions and mix of the six tracks of the album, but found them "too manic depressive too uniformly".[8]
Track listings
All songs written by Leif Edling except where noted.
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Solitude" | 5:38 |
2. | "Demon's Gate" | 9:12 |
3. | "Crystal Ball" | 5:23 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
4. | "Black Stone Wielder" | 7:34 |
5. | "Under the Oak" | 6:54 |
6. | "A Sorcerer's Pledge" | 8:20 |
Total length: | 42:51 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "The Well of Souls" | 7:25 |
2. | "Demon's Gate" | 9:02 |
3. | "Crystal Ball" | 5:18 |
4. | "Solitude" | 6:25 |
5. | "Bewitched" | 6:24 |
6. | "A Sorcerer's Pledge" | 10:53 |
7. | "Black Sabbath Medley" (Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward) | 6:12 |
Personnel
- Candlemass
- Leif Edling – bass
- Mats Björkman – rhythm guitar
- Matz Ekström – drums
- Guest musicians
- Johan Längqvist – vocals
- Klas Bergwall – lead guitar
- Christian Weberyd – guitar
- Cille Svenson – female backing vocals on "A Sorcerer's Pledge"
- Production
- Ragne Wahlquist – engineer, producer
- Candlemass – artwork, cover art concept, producer
- Ulf Magnusson – photography
Bonus CD personnel
- Messiah Marcolin — vocals
- Mats Björkman — guitar
- Lars Johansson — lead guitar
- Leif Edling — bass guitar
- Jan Lindh — drums
References
- ^ "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus – Candlemass : Credits : AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ "CANDLEMASS Parts Way With Singer MATS LEVÉN, Announces Return Of JOHAN LÄNGQVIST". Blabbermouth.net. 3 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
- ^ "Here is Video Of CANDLEMASS Rehearsing 'Solitude' With Newly Returned Singer JOHAN LÄNGQVIST". Blabbermouth.net. 4 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus (1986)". Candlemass Official Website. Sweden. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ "Nightfall (1987)". Candlemass Official Website. Sweden. Archived from the original on 18 October 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus". Candlemass Official Website. Sweden. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-894959-31-5.
- ^ Lyons, Patrick (7 June 2022). "Candlemass: Epicus Doomicus Metallicus Album Review". Pitchfork.
External links
- Epicus Doomicus Metallicus at Discogs (list of releases)