Released 40 years ago
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus
Candlemass · 1986
42 min · 6 tracks · epic doom metal
Epic and melancholic, this album intertwines haunting melodies with heavy, slow riffs that define the epic doom metal genre.
Top tracks — play these first
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Solitude Start here — Opening with a somber tone, this track encapsulates the melancholic themes of isolation and despair, showcasing the band's signature blend of melody and heaviness.
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Under the Oak — This song features poignant lyrics and a powerful vocal performance that vividly illustrates yearning and loss, making it a standout example of emotional storytelling.
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A Sorcerer's Pledge — The epic length and dynamic shifts within this track highlight Candlemass's ability to weave intricate narratives, embedding their signature sound into a dramatic journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Candlemass's debut album is a cornerstone of epic doom metal, blending heaviness with melody and establishing a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The album features slow, heavy riffs that dominate the sound, with melodies layered over them creating a haunting atmosphere.
- Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure but often extends into longer instrumental sections that emphasize mood over speed.
- Vocals are delivered in a powerful, operatic style that contrasts with the dense instrumentation, enhancing the epic feel of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Defined its genre or moment. 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
- steady pacing for deep focus
- melancholic themes for introspection
- epic soundscapes for immersive experience
- cathartic moments of release
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut album established Candlemass as a key force in epic doom metal.
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is Candlemass's debut album and marks their emergence as a definitive force in the doom metal scene. At this point, the band was introducing a unique blend of heaviness and melodic elements that would influence countless artists in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Solitude Aeturnus· My Dying Bride· Paradise Lost
Tracklist
- 1 Solitude Start here 5:34
- 2 Demons Gate 9:10
- 3 Crystal Ball 5:21
- 4 Black Stone Wielder 7:34
- 5 Under the Oak 6:52
- 6 A Sorcerer’s Pledge 8:20
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Turn Loose the Swans
My Dying Bride
Shares the same epic melancholy and intertwines heavy riffs with haunting melodies.
Gothic
Paradise Lost
Combines slow, heavy atmospheres with dark themes, echoing the emotional weight of doom metal.
Dopethrone
Electric Wizard
Features dense, slow riffs and a grim atmosphere that align with the epic doom aesthetic.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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