Candlemass
Death Thy Lover


4.0
excellent

Review

by PsychicChris USER (589 Reviews)
July 8th, 2016 | 6 replies


Release Date: 2016 | Tracklist

Review Summary: While Death Thy Lover feels like it could’ve been released by any of Leif Edling’s bands, it is a reminder of how he releases enjoyable doom under any banner

With all the projects that Leif Edling has forged in recent years (not to mention his chronic fatigue), it seemed like Candlemass would never venture into the studio again. However, the Swedish doom titans have returned with their first effort since their 2012 “finale” Psalms For The Dead and their first to feature live singer Mats Leven. The results are solid, even if the intent behind them is tricky to pinpoint.

As expected, Death Thy Lover‘s style has more in common with what Candlemass was doing in the new millennium than anything on Nightfall or Ancient Dreams. The thick guitar tone is right in line with their self-titled album and Leven’s vocal performance has an impish character similar to previous singer Robert Lowe. There is also some subconscious influence from Edling’s other projects; “Sinister and Sweet” in particular would’ve fit right in on Avatarium’s last release.

But even if Edling’s songwriting may result in interchangeable material, it still happens to be pretty damn good. “Sleeping Giant” is the best song, riding a steady riff and a playful chorus that doesn’t sacrifice the dark feel. The title track is also pretty solid though the flamboyant chorus and air of finality would probably make it a better closer than the chugging instrumentation of “The Goose.”

While Death Thy Lover feels like it could’ve been released by any of Leif Edling’s bands, it is a reminder of how he releases enjoyable doom under any banner. The riffs are dark and memorable, the vocals are skillfully delivered, and there’s a lot of variety for a four song EP. It’s hard to tell what this will lead to but here’s hoping Leif isn’t going to wear himself out too much…

Highlights:
“Death Thy Lover”
“Sleeping Giant”

Originally published at http://indymetalshows.com



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user ratings (47)
3.4
great

Comments:Add a Comment 
rockandmetaljunkie
July 8th 2016


9658 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

Candlemass is slowly becoming a Krux clone, which is only a bad thing

MoosechriS
July 8th 2016


6353 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

This was alright but i hoped for better, good review though dude

Maco097
July 15th 2016


3343 Comments


This was really really nice. Much better than Psalms

SuzyC
August 11th 2016


214 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

Mats sounds great, as always, but the songs are merely OK. My top Candlemass records are 'From the 13th Sun', 'Tales of Creation', the self-titled one, and the first two Krux albums.

rockandmetaljunkie
August 11th 2016


9658 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

Krux is such a mediocre band

Maco097
August 11th 2016


3343 Comments


Krux is one of the better doom metal bands out there.



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