Death Thy Lover is the first offering from the legendary doom metal forefathers Candlemass since 2012’s Psalms for the Dead and is released in celebration of the bands thirtieth anniversary. Yes you read that correctly, thirty years since Epicus Doomicus Metallicus was released upon the hordes. A four song EP, it also represents the band’s first release with new permanent frontman, and long-time friend of the band, legendary vocalist Mats Leven (ex-Therion) at the helm.
The band are back on some form here. While many (including myself) long for the classic days of “Ancient Dreams” and “Tales of Creation” (ground breaking classics), this is an immensely enjoyable offering which provides enough of the classical trademark pounding catchy riffs, classical pondering interludes and haunting solos to keep old school fans happy while showing some of the ‘newer’ kids on the block just how to do it. Mats vocals are captivating and on occasion have an operatic almost Bruce Dickinson-esk quality to them, he fits in very well.
Despite containing only four tracks, at twenty six minutes long, this is quite a celebration. The opening riff of the title track soon has you hooked, followed by the epically heavy and groovy “Sleeping Giant” this is great stuff. “Sinister N Sweet” then changes things slightly with more of a classical almost theatrical feel before order is resumed with the album closer, “The Goose”. A fine way to close the album, a sludgy and impossibly catchy instrumental it really does take you back…ahh!
Welcome back boys and good luck in your fourth decade.
Death Thy Lover is released 3 June 2016 on Napalm Records.
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