Band: Candlemass
Title: Death Magic Doom
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Distribution: PIAS
Release date: 03/04/2009
Review: CD

I do certainly not need to introduce Candlemass, one of the Doom-pioneers and one of the most influential bands within the whole Metal-scene, probably.
Death Magic Doom was originally supposed to call ‘Hammer of Doom’, after one of the strongest tracks on the album, and it (completely) goes on in the vein of last year’s massive mini-album Lucifer Rising, the first official recording with Robert Lowe of Solitude Aeternus- and Concept Of God-fame. This means that Candlemass still stands for magisterial, epic and colossal (Doom) Metal with a gargantuan power and catchy melodies. Tracks like Dead Angel or opener If I Ever Die are up-tempo and ultra-heavy, while hymns as Hammer Of Doom or Clouds Of Dementia breathe a haunting and addictive atmosphere. Others come with both introspective and extravert emotionality (like Demon Of The Deep or My Funeral Dreams).
It is incredible how Candlemass still, after so many years, know how to combine Power and Darkness into an immortal and majestic perfection. The majestic superiority from the early years (think Epicus Doomicus Metallicus or Nightfall) has evolved throughout the years and still Candlemass belong to the most inspiring and inspirational (Doom) formations.

90/100

Ivan Tibos.