True brilliance. "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" set the stage for modern doom metal, which has nicely evolved into the darkest of metal: doom/death. Despite having been released in 1986, this holds up along with today's depressing releases. You can see how some modern doom/gothic bands have taken influence from this recording, as a good deal of the riffs can be compared VERY easily to bands such as, say, My Dying Bride. Who needs Aaron's worthless vocals and the wimpy gothic undertones of those Brits, when Johan's vocals outdo him in each and every way?! Not to mention that "Epicus…" pisses all over Sabbath, Cathedral, and Count Raven in the sheer depression department.

I always preferred Johan's vocals to Messiah's style. He wails and moans, yet isn't afraid to add King Diamond style falsetto (briefly on the incredible "Solitude") or a little Dickinson over the top screaming such as on "Demon's Gate". Without a doubt Johan is a passionate vocalist (one of the strongest in the history of metal), and the music's true strength lies in his powerful lungs.

Slow paced, grinding, and wonderfully bleak, Candlemass' debut LP is among the greatest doom metal recordings ever. The sheer negative intensity of the music, led the entire time by Johan, makes "Epicus…" a fuckin' MUST for every metal collection. A TRUE metal classic!

© 2000 brand