Search - Candlemass :: Epicus Doomicus

We're doomed! Doomed, I tell you!

Ao Me Akuma | Canada | 10/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the 80's, it seemed that metal was dominated by thrash metal acts whose primary selling point was to play as fast as humanly or possible, or horrid hair metal bands of which we will not speak. So when Swedish band Candlemass came out with Epicus Doomicus Metallicus in 1986, with its slow, heavy riffs and overall mood of darkness and despair, it was pretty certain that it would never achieve any sort of mainstream success. And you know, you just have to respect their courage for doing just that.



THIS is Doom Metal. Black Sabbath may have pioneered the style somewhat, but it was Candlemass who developed it into a genre in its own right, and named it as such. Every Doom Metal band today, from Anathema to Katatonia to My Dying Bride; they all descend from this album right here. Opening track "Solitude" is Doom Metal in its purest state: slow, ultra-heavy guitar riffs, and lyrics talking of sorrow and suicide. As a whole, "Epicus" is a long way off from the intense darkness of modern day Doom Metal, but it set in stone the patterns of the genre to follow.



"Epicus" is filled with classic songs and memorable riffs, from the aforementioned "Solitude" to "Demon's Gate" and "Under the Oak." (later re-recorde for their fourth album "Tales of Creation") Truly Leif Edling had a brilliant vision (which would be fully realized on the follow-up "Nightfall"), but "Epicus" is not quite without shortcomings. Session vocalist Johan Lanquist is a tad weak compared to his successor Messiah Marcolin, and sadly, the album itself is quite short. But these are quibbling points. If you have any interest in Doom Metal whatsoever, you need this and "Nightfall" in your collection."

The extension that Sabbath wished for....

Antonios | Athens Greece | 04/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the 80's where so many bands gave us amazing music lps.Here we have one of them.This lp marks the beginning of a new style more slow and passionate than heavy-metal,that is doom.Many bands afterwards emerged trying to play like Candlemass or even close but they never managed to get close,because....Because Candlemass simply are the best the founders and the more charismatic of all.They released four marvelous albums(i am talking about their first-four albums)which they all are excellent.All great bands usually have 3 good albums in their carreer,Candlemass exceeded themselves..they made 4 lps and of course the best is this one..Epicus..I will not say anything about the songs or the music..You just make sure to get it..And then you will see for yourselves..Words are never enough.."