[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-M90eEjL6I[/youtube]
Metal Insider contributor Anthony Maisano is listening to a different metal album that was released on that day every day this year. Today, it’s doom metal standard-bearers Candlemass’ 10th album, Death Magic Doom, which was released on April 3, 2009.
This was the second album to feature Robert Lowe on vocals. The album definitely takes a bit more of a thrashy edge to Candlemass’ perfected form of doom metal. The band has brought something new to the table with every album, and this is a perfect example of how they can blend that style with new elements. The album is punchy, and heavier and more aggressive than most previous releases. It really shows what a genius Leif Edling is. Of course, it still delivers the out and out masterful riffing that makes the band the best in their field. “The Bleeding Baroness” is a great head-banger, with packed riffs, creepy breaks, and a super aggressive feel. “Clouds of Dementia” has a really awesome chorus that will stick in your head for a while.
However, I must say that this is my least favorite album from the Robert Lowe-era, and one of my least favorite albums by Candlemass in general. I still really enjoy it. There are only one or two Candlemass albums in their whole catalog that I can say I don’t enjoy, but this one is on the lower end for me. Maybe it’s BECAUSE this album has a thrashy edge to it, and I’m not a big thrash fa. It just doesn’t have as much of the elements that make Candlemass my second favorite band of all time. It’s really hard for me to describe, but it didn’t have the staying power to me.
Favorite Tracks: “The Bleeding Baroness,” “Clouds of Dementia,” “Dead Angel.”
Despite my bitching, this album, as well as nearly every Candlemass album is awesome, and pretty much a textbook on how to make doom metal. This is an album that I think could get people who don’t exactly like doom metal to enjoy it. It crosses genres in a lot of ways, and has a lot to offer new comers. If you’ve never listened to Candlemass before, this is as good a place as any to get started.
