Candlemass - 'Death Magic Doom'

Robert Lowe's second album with doom legends Candlemass was recorded under much more comfortable circumstances than 2007's King Of The Grey Islands. The songs were written before he was asked to join the band, and he recorded his vocals in a studio before he even met the band. Even under those circumstances Lowe did an excellent job and the album still turned out well.

For Death Magic Doom Leif Edling wrote the songs with Lowe's skills in mind. Lowe had toured with Candlemass and recorded his vocals in the same place as the rest of the album, and the end result is a really strong album.

Candlemass does a good job of mixing things up on Death Magic Doom. It kicks off with the uptempo "If I Ever Die," that's packed with hooks and really memorable riffs. That segues into the more traditional and aptly named "Hammer Of Doom," which is slow and alternates crushing riffs with lighter moments.

The rest of the album is packed with Sabbath influenced riffs and mid to slow paced tracks. Whether it's doing meat and potatoes riffs or showing off their solo skills, guitarists Lars Johansson and Mappe Bjorkman are up to the task. Lowe's vocals are perfect for Candlemass. He sings with power and emotion, and his tone is flawless.

Candlemass has been around for a long time and has released some of the definitive and pioneering albums in the doom metal genre, so expectations are always high for any new release. Death Magic Doom lives up to those lofty expectations.

(released May 5, 2009 on Nuclear Blast Records)