Epicus Doomicus Metallicus - 20th Anniversary

Much to my personal chagrin, Candlemass was not a part of my life until the end of 2013 when my younger brother first introduced me to the masters of doom. Browsing his extensive collection of Candlemass records, I was immediately struck by the iconic cover art of Epicus Doomicus Metallicus. I decided to give it a spin.It was love at first listen.From the crushing weight of the sheer hopelessness captured by "Solitude" to the wild, eight minute finale that is "A Sorcerer's Pledge," Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is one of those rare, flawless records that I feel comfortable calling "life-changing." There is not a dull moment, a boring riff, a bad vocal, or anything else disappointing about the album. It's perfect.Being that this is the 25th Anniversary Edition of Epicus, if you're reading this you probably already know how unbelievably awesome the album is. As such, I'll spare you the pages of gushing praise I could write about Epicus and focus instead on what the 25th Anniversary Edition (25th A.E. from here on out) offers fans.Being a Candlemass newbie, I don't own any other editions of Epicus. However, I've listened to the original pressing, and I can state confidently that the 25th A.E. manages to sound quite a bit clearer and significantly fuller without losing any of the rawness that makes it so appealing. What I don't know is how the 25th A.E. compares to other reissues. Still, it sounds very good through my Bose speakers, the only noticeable issue being some crackly stuff (possibly mic bleed on the original recording?) early in "A Sorcerer's Pledge," which I suspect is impossible to remove without destroying Johan Langquist's epic vocal tracks.In addition to the remastered pressing of Epicus, the 25th A.E. includes a bonus disc with commentary from Candlemass bassist and founder Leif Edling. I've listened to it 7 or 8 times now, and it's awesome every time. Leif offers a lot of insight about the recording process (their studio was a dump), the early struggles the band experienced (Johan Langquist and lead guitarist Klas Bergwall both served as session musicians on Epicus because the band could not find anyone who wanted to join on a permanent basis), and other album specifics I never would have noticed (drummer Matz Ekström was forced to play another band's kit on "A Sorcerer's Pledge"). He's an entertaining guy to listen to who has a lot of good stories. The only bummer about the bonus disc is that it's just one, continuous track; a minor complaint, but still annoying if I play the actual CD and want to skip ahead.Concerning the packaging, the 25th A.E. is really high quality. The case isn't a cheap plastic piece of trash, nor is it one of those flimsy, paper-thin cardboard cases that deteriorates as soon as you remove it from the shelf. Instead, it's a heavy-duty cardboard case that contains a built-in 20-page booklet of old pictures and other liner notes. As a whole, the release is a collector's dream: it looks every bit as fine as it sounds.Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is simply one of the greatest slabs of metal I've ever held in my possession. It is an absolute must-own for anyone who favors himself (or herself) a metalhead. Considering the superior quality of the 25th Anniversary Edition, I recommend going that route when you purchase it. For an album that almost didn't happen, it truly is incredible that Epicus is still changing lives nearly 30 years later. Consider me the latest convert to the Church of Candlemass!

this band was the first to coin the phrase and whether you know it or not, they inspired almost every Scandinavian black metal band, having a huge impact on Darkthrone namely. I love lots of metal (except nu-metal), but if I had to make a choice of one album I could listen to for all time, this would be it. For only having 6 songs, it's still a solid album and every single song delievers. I've read various reviews on different metal webzines harshly criticizing session singer Johan Langquist's performance and I gotta be tactless and say: they're effing idiots! His vocals are completely solid and the only mistake he made was NOT joining Candlemass when he had the chance. Everything about his performance is superb, heartfelt, and hyper-emotional to the point of where you'd swear the lyrics were is own. I very much prefer his efforts over those of Messiah, whom I always thought brought more vibrato to the table than Stevie Nicks --that's a whole nother can of beans though. I can't find one damn thing I don't like about this album. You're not gonna find another debut as impressive unless you're looking at Appetite for Destruction, but that's not doom metal.

Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is the first album by exalted Swedish doom metal band Candlemass. Written entirely by bassist Leif Edling and assembled after the breakup of his band Nemesis, EDM produces every element you would expect to find within an album carrying such a title. In fact, it’s so solid I truly have a difficult time trying to come up with things I don’t like about it.First off, the lyrics are exactly what you would expect out of an album such as this (epic stories about demons, mythology, sorcery, etc.), but at the same time they do not come off as uninspired or overly cheesy. Vocalist Johan Längqvist delivers these lyrics with such a phenomenal performance that I honestly become sad when I remember that this is the only album he recorded with the band. The energy and emotion he puts into this album truly makes it what it is. No, he’s not Messiah, but I feel like I can take Längqvist’s singing style a little more seriously than his successor’s.Along with Längqvist's vocals you get the classic, heavy, churning riffs Edling has proved so great at producing over the years. Klas Bergwall and Mats Björkman deliver this steady barrage of doom without relent through the entire 43 minutes of this album. Whether it’s the killer main riff on “Solitude” or that eerie solo on “Crystal Ball,” EDM never quits its hypnotic and addictive guitar work. Matz Ekström’s performance, while not the first thing one notices, is also superb and deserves more than just a quick glance. Even one of Edling’s bass lines surfaces from time to time to remind you that he does indeed contribute more than just epic songwriting.This CD is very easily argued to the top of Candlemass’s discography, carrying such classics as “Solitude” and “Under the Oak” with it. Throughout the entire 7 song list you are delivered that slow, creepy vibe that makes you think of nothing but eternal despair. That being said, I feel like I need to point out (if it’s not already blatantly obvious) that this is not the kind of music you put on when you’re partying with your friends. This album is a one way ticket to sadness, despite its musical beauty.In essence, Candlemass’s Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is the birth of doom metal. If you’re already a doom fan then it is a must have CD, if you’re not then it is a great place to start.

I'm not a metal aficionado, but I know what I like, and doom metal is for me, as well as the soaring heavy metal of Judas Priest. Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is atmospheric and heavy, with haunting vocals speaking of forbidden, dark subjects. I'd love to continue my journey in their catalog one of these days. My favorite songs are Solitude and Under the Oak. I find this style of metal irresistible.

This album is a doom metal lovers must have. Classic.

Not only does this album stand the test of time, it actually seems better than it did back in the glory days.

Amazing album, a must have for Doom lovers or any Black Sabbath fan. Love the combination of heavy riffs with melodic singing

Hi my cd is verry good thank you Deano

Loved it , favourite cd for work van

good

bRILLIANT ALBUM, WELL RECOMMENDED.

One of the best albums of all time.No need to say more.If you dont have this album just get it..without any thoughts.Just i regret that i didnt buy the original vinyl back in the days..now is rare and collectible.

Great Album, AAA+++

What more can I add, this is the definitive doom metal album.

First album by Swedish doomsters Candlemass and it is a classic. Although they made more great albums, this one remains special. Nice re-issue - red vinyl and limited edition (numbered). I would buy it again :-)

Es ließe sich trefflich diskutieren, ob das Erstlingswerk der Schweden nun in die Doom-Schublade gehört, oder doch eher Metal mit Doom-Einflüssen ist. Ich neige eher zu der Doom-Schiene, wenngleich auch metallische Ambitionen vor allem in den instrumentalen Passagen durchscheinen. Hier trifft Black Sabbath auf Rainbow, was das Ganze streckenweise etwas holprig macht, vergessen wir aber nicht, dass es sich um ein Erstlingsalbum handelt. Von da aus sollten Meisterwerke wie "Nightfall", "Ancient Dreams", "Tales of Creation" und viele andere ihren Ausgang nehmen, von der Wirkung auf andere Bands ganz zu schweigen.Für den Kultfaktor dieses Albums ging es fünf eherne Punkte. Und wer wissen will, woher Candlemass ihre Inspiration für ihr aktuelles Album "The Door to Doom" bezogen, kommt an "Epicus.." sowieso nicht vorbei.

Un clásico del 'doom' más épico. Metal lentorro, tétrico y depresivo, que te atrapará sin remisión con las sucesivas escuchas. Cuenta con gruesos riffs y excelentes sólos de guitarra, además de una buena sección rítmica y una gran voz. Con pocos cortes, pero largos y progresivos, la banda sueca alumbra un gran trabajo de debut.

Ya demasiado tiempo desde que no me hipnotizaba un álbum, y este lo hizo!El paquete llegó impecable, la portada excelente,y una joya del DOOM METAL!!!!!Si te gustaría escuchar un Black Sabbath con un toque mas heavy, puro,y a la vez oscuro,sin duda este álbum te volará el cerebro.El segundo CD tal vez lo ignores...pero no importa, el álbum es EPICUS!VIVA CANDLEMASS!!!

Dieses Album war eins welches noch in meiner Plattensammlung fehlte! Umso glücklicher war ich als ich gesehen hatte das es dieses endlich als remasterd 180g vinyl gibt. Man bekommt ein hochwertiges Album Cover mit einer 180g vinyl die einen super Klang abgibt!

If you ever wanted to explore the realms of doom metal, this album should be your starting point. Everything was done perfectly on this CD. Musicianship is great, production is great, beautiful vocals, not that stupid lyrics. I cannot think of anything right now what I can complain about. Very recommended.

Un discazo con edición color vinyl rojo un disco para conocedores no necesitas más