Nightfall

After having released the excellent debut album "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus", which was unfortunately met with poor sales, Candlemass had acquired a loyal local and underground following. By the time the first album had been recorded they had also acquired a new singer in the form of Messiah Marcolin, a man classically trained within the fine arts of opera singing. This gave Candlemass a unique edge not only within the doom realm, but also in the realm of all things metal.

The production is excellent when it comes down to the fact that Candlemass was just an underground band at the time, but it's nonetheless very good. Messiah’s vocals are godly, and so are Lars Johansson’s leads. Edling’s bass playing isn’t bad either, but he’s no Steve Harris or Joey DeMaio.

The first real song is called ”The Well of Souls”, which is preceded by the short instrumental track called ”Gothic Stone”. Right at the beginning of the song, you’ll know that Candlemass’ new vocalist is not a bad one, but your head will most likely explode if you can’t tolerate operatic vocals.

The next song is called ”At the Gallows End”, and is probably one of Candlemass’ best songs ever. It has a very sad and very emotional mood, and Marcolin’s vocals and Johansson’s lead only enhances the song’s already existing excellence. This song is also preceded by a short instrumental track. This time it’s called ”Codex Gigas”.

”Marche Funebre” is a cover of a classic piece by the composer Frederyk Chopin. This is probably my least favourite song on the album, but it works amazingly well within the concept of the album.

The main driving force in the next two songs, entitled ”Samarithan” and ”Dark Are the Veils of Death”, are the vocals. The part where Messiah goes ”Begging for a penny to survive” in ”Samarithan” will stick in your mind for a long time.

”Mourners Lament” is a little more forgettable, but it is probably the most doomy track on this album and the lyrics tell a strong story.

And so the album closes with ”Bewitched” and ”Black Candles”. ”Bewitched” crushes everything in its path with a severe heaviness and an absolutely crushing lead played by Johansson. ”Black Candles” is another little instrumental track that closes the album in nice fashion.

This is an essential album for all doomsters, but you can definitely find some crossover appeal if you’re willing to look below the surface.