Candlemass-Psalms for the Dead

Napalm Records
2012


Something tells me that this won't be the last studio album for Candlemass. Even though they have said that they plan on concentrating on live performances first and foremost you have to imagine bassist Leif Edling has more to say. Granted, the band has been going on and off since 1984 (earlier if you consider that Nemesis was formed in 1982 or so) so Leif Edling has done more than his fair share for the doom metal scene. With "Psalms for the Dead" I'm reminded why so many bands reference Candlemass in their music. It's a well laid out album that captures the feeling of doom while still holding fast to the spirit of true heavy metal. The music is so heads and shoulders over most new doom it's obvious why they were leaders of the scene to begin with. Does it stack up to their classic first album for me? That would be impossible considering just how high I hold that album. I am not as much of a doom fan as Metal Mark. I always admit as much. Yet there are a few bands that I love and cherish in the movement. They are mostly the fathers of the scene. Acts like Trouble, Witchfinder General and Pentagram are more to my liking. Obviously Candlemass are another doom band that I greatly respect and admire. They helped shape the modern doom metal scene and, as I stated, "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" is a favorite album of mine. I know that Messiah Marcolin's time with Candlemass also resulted in three epic albums ("Nightfall", "Ancient Dreams" and "Tales Of Creation") so if this was to be the band's swansong there is nothing left to prove. But, seeing as Candlemass continue to release album after album of some of the best doom metal ever recorded why stop now? With Solitude Aeturnus singer Robert Lowe on board the music is still stunning to behold. Sure, Leif Edling continues to explore new elements within the genre of doom. Is it his fault if he wants to add new layers to the band's sound and try different things? It's still doom at it's heart and heavy- yes, it is very heavy. It's a Candlemass album through and through. Will it prove to be their swansong? Like I said I have my doubts. If it does prove to be their swansong studio-wise then I can think of much worse ways to say goodbye then with "Psalms for the Dead".