Is Death Magic Doom a good place to start with Candlemass?

Yes, Death Magic Doom is recommended as a starting point for new Candlemass listeners. Epic riffs intertwine with haunting melodies, creating a dark atmosphere that embodies the essence of doom metal. Released in 2009, Death Magic Doom marked Candlemass's return after a five-year hiatus following the 2005 album, King of the Grey Islands. This album showcased their classic epic doom metal sound while introducing fresh elements with new vocalist Messiah Marcolin, who rejoined the band for this record.

Who is Death Magic Doom for?

Death Magic Doom works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and dark, atmospheric exploration.

How many songs are on Death Magic Doom?

Death Magic Doom has 9 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Death Magic Doom

Candlemass · 2009

51 min · 9 tracks · epic doom metal

Epic riffs intertwine with haunting melodies, creating a dark atmosphere that embodies the essence of doom metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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If I Ever Die Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Hammer of Doom — This track epitomizes the album's heavy sound with its relentless riffs and powerful vocals, making it a standout anthem for doom metal.
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Lucifer Rising — Its dark themes and atmospheric instrumentation encapsulate the essence of the album, showcasing Candlemass's ability to weave narrative into their music.
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The Bleeding Baroness — With its intricate structure and evocative lyrics, this track highlights the band's signature blend of melody and heaviness, representing their classic style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production while maintaining a cohesive epic doom metal identity.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of slow, heavy guitar riffs that dominate the soundscape, often accompanied by melodic leads.
Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with extended instrumental sections that emphasize the atmospheric elements.
Several songs incorporate choral backing vocals, adding depth and a haunting quality to the overall sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
dark, atmospheric exploration
contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Reaffirmed Candlemass's status after a hiatus, showcasing classic doom sound.
Themes: dark fantasy landscapes· occult symbolism· mythical narratives
Career context: Released in 2009, Death Magic Doom marked Candlemass's return after a five-year hiatus following the 2005 album, King of the Grey Islands. This album showcased their classic epic doom metal sound while introducing fresh elements with new vocalist Messiah Marcolin, who rejoined the band for this record.
Stylistic neighbors: Solitude Aeturnus· My Dying Bride· Paradise Lost