Epicus Doomicus Metallicus
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus turns heaviness into something grand and melodic. Candlemass allows the riffs to move slowly, keeping the songs active through changing sections, striking leads and a voice given substantial space. The music is sombre without becoming lifeless. The conviction behind the playing gives the record its strength.
Solitude immediately provides a clear entrance. Its acoustic opening gives way to a heavy guitar part that needs little decoration. The voice places sorrow firmly above it while the riff continues working underneath. The song is direct enough to remember and heavy enough to introduce the record convincingly.
Demons Gate builds a more extensive whole. Guitars, keyboards and singing give the piece several dark corners. It offers more than one figure repeated endlessly. Black Stone Wielder also creates tension through a structure that continually allows fresh movement. The band makes its slower music feel purposeful as a result.
Crystal Ball has a more immediate appeal, with a strong guitar part and a chorus that provides clear footing. A Sorcerer's Pledge instead opens up the ending again. Its transition from calmer singing and guitar towards heavier passages gives the music a clear development.
The rough presentation does not work equally well everywhere. The voice has considerable character, but does not always carry the full arrangements with the same force. That slightly uneven control also contributes to the record's individuality. Epicus Doomicus Metallicus sounds ambitious and convincing even when everything does not fall perfectly into place. The quality of its riffs and compositions makes the grand approach credible. There is enough substance beneath the drama to support it, keeping the songs effective beyond their considerable historical reputation.
