Candlemass – Death Thy Lover

[schema type=”review” name=”Candlemass – Death Thy Lover” description=”Label: Napalm Records” author=”Gamze ÖYÜNC” pubdate=”03-06-2016″ ]

When some bands do not have the need to change their genre and sound style with every album, you know that band has had a huge following for some time and already marked their place in the history of music. Such as Black Sabbath… You just don’t expect from Iommi to write poppy riffs all of a sudden. Candlemass is an entity like that. Hailing from Sweden, Candlemass have been the founding fathers Swedish doom and gloom metal for 3 decades now. With many line-up changes during the years and 3 break-ups and make-ups that followed can only be considered normal in such a long span of time. This did not stop them from making great albums, releasing numerous live DVD’s and having a distinct sound that has inspired and directly influenced many other doom metal bands from different geographies.

Now, Candlemass is back with an EP consisting of 4 grand tracks. Mats Leven who is a Swedish versatile singer has joined the band permanently with this EP as a vocalist, however they have been performing live together since 2012 when Robert Lowe had to depart ways with the band. The doomy sound with heavy riffs and dramatic lyrics is all there. Leven’s operatic vocals adds some kind of fresh breath to the band’s trademark sound manifesting itself in a novel way in “Death Thy Lover” EP. With this EP, the band has released a coffee table book called “Behing the Wall of Doom” which includes rare rehearsal recordings even way back from 1980s, consists 2 DVDs, and 3 CDs.

All tracks have that grandeur sound to them, but the most appealing one was “Sinister N Sweet” to me. Melodic riffs heavy as hell, and theatrical lyrics are so captivating, it gives you the urge to light a black candle in your room and wear black for the rest of your life. 
I do not think the band needs a deep analysis of sound since the fans of doom and gloom will not hesitate to give it a listen and see one of their impressive live gigs this summer if they have a chance.

Tracklist: 01. Death Thy Lover 02. Sleeping Giant 03. Sinister N Sweet 04. The Goose

Links:
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