Review CANDLEMASS “Black Star” – EP

Swedish doom metal pioneers Candlemass are releasing a new EP called “Black Star”. To celebrate 40 years of doom metal craftsmanship, the five-piece recorded 4 songs, two of which are new and the other half is a cover version.

The title track kicks off this release and we are dealing with a six-minute doom metal epic that starts rather calm and soft. Johan Länquist’s vocals play an important role, especially in the softer parts of the song, which alternate with typical Candlemass riff blasts. “Black Star” is a slow-rolling riff-machine with the typical Candlemass trademarks with darkness and melancholy connecting all parts of this doom metal anthem. It’s a song that gets its intensity from the versatility and vocals brought to life by Länquist’s voice.

“Corridors of Chaos” is the second new song on this release. Based on a typical Candlemass riff, it’s the solo parts of Lars Johansson that show the filigree aspect of Candlemass’ music. “Corridors of Chaos” is a fascinating instrumental that reflects 100% Candlemass and the fact that the song fades out at the end might be just a minor issue.

Photo: Linda Åkerberg

The five guys from Stockholm put two cover versions on their jubilee release and there is no way to avoid Black Sabbath. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is what the band decided to Candlemass-alize and the band did a great job to reflect the greatness of the original while giving it an own identity. What you have to get used to are the rougher vocals that at least give the classic a new feel – intentionally or not.

The second cover is a song by another doom metal icon. “Forever My Queen” is originally by Pentagram and I have to say that this version works better than the Sabbath interpretation. With hypnotic riff power and the spirit of grim evil, the song represents the fascination of doom metal in less than three minutes.

In four decades Candlemass have influenced heavy metal in general and doom metal in particular. Leif Edling and his bandmates are now celebrating all these achievements with an EP that shows the current direction of the band as well as harking back to the influences that helped shape their sound.