Samarithan
16 min · 3 tracks · epic doom metal
Epic doom riffs intertwine with haunting melodies, creating a somber yet powerful atmosphere that defines Candlemass's signature sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Samarithan — The title track embodies the essence of the album with its slow, crushing riffs and introspective lyrics that explore themes of despair and redemption.
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Solitude (1988 version) — This reimagined classic showcases the band's ability to blend melancholy with heaviness, providing a sense of nostalgia while highlighting their musical evolution.
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Crystal Ball (1988 version) — Another revisit of an earlier work, this track features intricate guitar work and powerful vocals, exemplifying the band's signature sound while drawing on their historical roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases solid songwriting and production typical of its genre but lacks broader impact.
What we noticed
- The title track 'Samarithan' features a slow, heavy riff that builds tension before transitioning into a soaring chorus.
- Both bonus tracks, 'Solitude' and 'Crystal Ball', maintain a similar tempo and mood, reinforcing the album's dark atmosphere.
- The production emphasizes thick guitar tones and deep vocals, characteristic of the epic doom metal genre.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Revitalized interest in Candlemass after a hiatus, showcasing a new lineup and sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2005, Samarithan marked Candlemass's return after a five-year hiatus, showcasing a lineup change with new vocalist Robert Lowe. This album followed their previous effort, the critically acclaimed Church of Madness, and reflects a matured sound while retaining their epic doom roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Solitude Aeturnus· My Dying Bride· Paradise Lost
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Samarithan 5:30
- 2 Solitude (1988 version) 5:49
- 3 Crystal Ball (1988 version) 5:28
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Angel and the Dark River
My Dying Bride
Shares epic doom riffs and melancholic melodies, creating a similarly haunting atmosphere.
Ghosts of Loss
Swallow the Sun
Combines crushing riffs with somber themes, evoking deep emotional resonance in a lush soundscape.
Draconian Times
Paradise Lost
Features heavy, atmospheric riffs and introspective lyrics that echo the mood of epic doom metal.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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