Leif Edling - Songs of Torment, Songs of Joy (Candlelight Records)

For over 25 years now no band has more of a impact on the Doom Metal scene than Candlemass and one of the main reasons they achieved this is the brilliant Doom vision of Leif Edling.He now proves how much talent he has on this his solo album " Songs of Torment, Songs of Joy".Sometimes when these solo projects are released they can be a disappointment because they might not be what you expect.This album however is not only classic Doom Metal but it exceeds all expectations. Edling joins his bass with the brilliant work of Björn Eriksson and
Chris Laney to provide some of the most earth shattering Doom Metal recorded in the last year.One of the main differences between this album and a Candlemass record
is the use of keyboards. Although Candlemass have used keys before,on this album they main a integral part of the overall sound.The keyboard sound has a almost Rick Wakeman quality about it and when its mixed with Edling's other worldly vocal sound it makes for quite a trippy listening experience.His vocals have a semi-narrative vocal approach almost like a commentary to the songs rather than actual singing.This somehow works incredibly well and is such a different sound compared to other traditional Doom Metal vocals.
The opening track, “The Scar” attacks with some vicious guitar tones and sets the mood for the rest of the album.Its clear from the outset that this is pure class.On “Angelic ‘Til I Die,” the lyrics are warped but i will let you be the judge on what they are about.I get something different out of it everytime i hear it.Westholm’s keyboards and Edling’s echoing vocals send you into outer space with a some kind of Psychedelic vibe that has that cerebral touch.“On the Edge of Time ” and “Nautilus” are both stand out tunes with the later pushing the 10 minute mark.On here it takes you under water with Westholm’s keys create and mimic submarine noises.There is many standout points about this album,musically it is as close to perfect as a album can be but there is none of the sinister or macabe vocals/lyrics you may have been used to from old Candlemass records.If you are expecting a total Candlemass like Doom Metal CD with this then this may disappoint but if you listen to this with a open mind this album can take you on a little progressive Doom Metal Rock journey and you will enjoy the trip.I found this album to a little on the short side and the one minute instrumental "Butterfly" doesnt help matters.It seems a little incomplete in some ways but that is a minor bug,overall this is one of the albums of the year.9/10