Candlemass Are Back

Candlemass are back and while i cant really say this is their best album it is much better than King Of Grey Islands.The first thing that becomes perfectly clear on first listen is this is a much doomier effort this time around.The opening track If I Ever Die continues the tradition of starting off with a uptempo number.This track soars and is a instant classic.Hammer Of Hell is as doomy as Candlemass can be and is another instant favorite.The album contains all the Candlemass trademarks but might just have the best solo's they have ever put down.This is the real highlights of the album for me.Johanson's has always been a very underrated figure in doom metal anyway but now with the work he has done on this recording maybe finally he will get the credit he deserves.The other outstanding factor is the incredible vocal presence of Robert Lowe,this guy has become somewhat of a doom legend and this album will only reinforced that.Here he shines on every track in such a way it is easy to forget that Candlemass had other singers throughout their career.He has a certain vocal charisma which enhances the sound of the band more than any singer before him.The lumbering track House Of A Thousand Voices is another standout track that never loses your attention despite its nearly 8 minute running time.Overall this is a great piece of the Candlemass history and if you are a big fan of the band you going to be playing this a lot in 2009.If you still haven't made up your mind yet(you are sure taking your time)then this might be the album to check out.8/10