Candlemass – Death Thy Lover (Review)

This is the latest EP from epic Doom Metallers Candlemass, who are from Sweden and probably require little introduction for most people.

This EP not only showcases their new full-time singer/long-time-associate Mats Levén, (Aeonsgate), but celebrates 30 years of existence for the band.

Candlesmass appear to be ageing like the proverbial fine wine, and their continued existence in 2016 is more than justified by the plain and simple fact that they’re still so very good at what they do. They’ve had quite a career, with multiple vocalists and various experiments with their core sound over the years, but ultimately, they know how to pump out a good doom metal tune.

Death Thy Lover has a heavy, warm sound that fits the band’s style like a glove. The songs here are immediately welcoming, being both familiar and new at the same time.

As you would expect from the band, these are well-written tracks that embrace the catchy, substance-filled, song-oriented method of metal composition. Everything is played well, with the solos in particular being very enjoyable.

Their newly-embraced vocalist sings like he was born to be in the band and sounds so at home you wonder why he wasn’t made a permanent member a long, long time ago.

If you’re a fan of the band, (or even if you’re new to them), then this is a release that sells itself really. Classic doom/heavy metal fans should find nothing they dislike on here, and at 26 minutes in length there’s a lot of content for a mere EP.

As a bonus – I find that the more I listen to this the more I like it. It really is a very good release.