Death Magic Doom [ENHANCED]

Candlemass

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 5, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Nuclear Blast Americ
• ASIN: B001SWGOO0
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,240 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. If I Ever Die

2. Hammer of Doom

3. Bleeding Baroness

4. Demon of the Deep

5. House of 1000 Voices

6. Dead Angel

7. Clouds of Dementia

8. My Funeral Dreams

9. Lucifer Rising [Album Outtake][*]

Disc: 2

1. Bonus Materials [DVD][*]

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

2009 release from one of the fastest and busiest bands in the whole Doom Metal and Metal scene, Candlemass didn't hesitate to deliver a full-length studio album as a follow-up to last year's massive Lucifer Rising EP and it is as sensational and striking as its title! Death Magic Doom breaks the chains of genre restrictions and serves the listener an album of monumental, breathtaking (Doom) Metal formed to perfection. This album deserves the title "classic" right from the start because Death Magic Doom has it all: up-tempo Metal madness, grinding Doom and, most of all, those immortal hymns with achingly addictive and beautiful melody lines. Recorded at the famous Swedish Polar Studios, Death Magic Doo captures the band at their personal best: immortal songwriting, incredible guitar solos and Robert's brilliant vocals. Nuclear Blast.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HAMMER OF DOOM, May 5, 2009

By	Murat Batmaz (Istanbul, Turkey) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Death Magic Doom surpasses its predecessor, King of the Grey Islands, in several aspects, songwriting being the most important one. It is a doomier release with a heavier focus on achieving atmosphere, and is blessed with stronger production. It is a lot more organic sounding, boasting a great degree of dynamics in the arrangements and revealing more details upon repeat listens.

Leif Edling has composed one of the most diverse Candlemass albums to date. This is not full-on Doom Metal. Rather, it moves from doomy sounds to melodic phrases to more aggressive numbers. The writing is truly varied and inspired. On a tune like "If I Ever Die," they weave uptempo guitar rhythms with melodically gripping vocal harmonies and throaty a capella vocals while "Hammer of Doom" is their nod to Black Sabbath. It is populated with myriad elements, from hellish bells chiming to slow, grinding riffs to angry vocals and abrasive fretwork. This is easily the doomiest cut on the album.

The guitar work is phenomenal, perhaps the best in years. Lars Johansson and Mats Björkman once again prove they are the strongest guitar duo in Doom Metal. The lead solos on "The Bleeding Baroness" and "House of 1000 Voices" are trance-like. They send chills up and down the spine and only get better with each listen. They are built very patiently, allowing Lowe to set the tone as he 'duels' with the guitar lines atop Edling's fat bass lines. "The Bleeding Baroness" features an indelible bass figure in the beginning which crops up in the mid-section before an insanely melodic chorus is delivered. Likewise, "House of 1000 Voices" boasts an indestructible opening riff that would make the crowds go wild if Candlemass were to open their shows with it. As the riff progression changes, so does Lowe's tone; he starts singing an octave lower than usual capturing an evil sound -- you've never heard him sing like this before. Then there is the silvery solo; first guitar, then bass, and the guitar again. Fantastic.

These two songs are separated by the secret hit of the album, "Demon of the Deep." At first, this one comes across as filler, but in time, you get to discover its brilliance. The creepy acoustic guitars and death-embracing riffs achieve a unique atmosphere. The vocals in the beginning are powerful beyond words. The guitar sounds like it was tuned deliberately off-key, which lends the piece an extra dimension. It is deep and searing. The discreet organ sounds beneath the main melody are sublime too. All of this is contrasted by quite a melodic vocal passage -- simply perfect.

"Dead Angel" is arguably the catchiest and fastest Candlemass song ever. Though I can't say I am fully convinced it deserves a place on this platter, the rather lengthy instrumental break is worth checking out nevertheless. As the band retreats into doomy sounds with "Clouds of Dementia," the trade-off between guitars and bass also commands your attention as does the bleak acoustic intro of "My Funeral Dreams," which is comprised of glacial riffs mixed with faster-paced stanzas and an infectious chorus.

Robert Lowe joined Candlemass shortly before the band started recording King of the Grey Islands, which was written with Messiah Marcolin on mind. Though he did a great job on it, on this record, he gets to demonstrate his talents as a singer to a greater extent. And although he is not credited for any of the songs, it is obvious Leif Edling composed the material to suit his style perfectly. This album sees his most diverse vocal performance to date. Never before has he sung so aggressively and melodically at the same time. He tries a capella vocals, he lets out deep snarling screams, he whispers -- he does it all. And whatever he does, he gives the songs a raw, palpable energy. This album is his pinnacle from a vocal standpoint.

If you want to buy only one Doom Metal album in 2009, this is it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Hammer Of Doom Forever!!!, May 11, 2009

By	S. Bailey - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I loved their last cd King of the Grey Islands but this might just surpass it. I think after listening to it for a week now , there is just a lot more going on this time around. The music is not just some boring doom-fest. The songs are varied and dynamic. The first song If I ever Die, is a fast almost uptempo song. But its cool and shows that these guys can still rock! But with the next song Hammer Of Doom,,,,,well,well...its like Sabbath revisted. Just cool and dark...evil riffs and mystic dread. Leif has created what might be one of the best metal release in 10 years. Robert Lowe of Solitude Aeturnus
now sounds like a trueblue member of Candlemass! He just slaughters here!
Lowe is without a doudt the best metal vocalist now. Hands down,no joke.
Lowes best work might be the S.Aeturnus cd Alone. But with this release he shine like a satanic diamond of fury. THis is a fantastc doom/metal cd. Buy it now!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!, July 9, 2009

By	Sandman "Loverofdamusic" (Canada) - See all my reviews

New singer, new feel, same old fantastic vibe. I love Doom metal and these guys continue to deliver the goods in spades. The guitar work is awesome, the bass is pounding and the drums are tight. I love the way the new vocalist delivers the lyrics on this disc. He has balls in his performance and is less operatic in his delivery which to me really bring Candlemass to life. This cd rocks hard from start to finish. If I have any complaints at all about this release it's this, it's to short. The darn thing needs another song or two because it does seem a little short overall? Other than that, everything on here is gold!!!

Pick it up!!!