Is Sweet Evil Sun a good place to start with Candlemass?

Yes, Sweet Evil Sun is recommended as a starting point for new Candlemass listeners. A thunderous blend of monolithic riffs and haunting melodies that evokes an epic battle against darkness. 'Sweet Evil Sun' is Candlemass's twelfth studio album, arriving five years after their previous release, 'The Door to Doom.' This album marks a continuation of their legacy in the epic doom metal genre, showcasing the band's ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. With the return of vocalist Johan Langquist, it also represents a significant reunion for the band's classic lineup.

Who is Sweet Evil Sun for?

Sweet Evil Sun works well if you're into steady pacing with climactic moments, dark atmospheric immersion and melancholic melodies for reflection.

How many songs are on Sweet Evil Sun?

Sweet Evil Sun has 10 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Sweet Evil Sun

Candlemass · 2022

53 min · 10 tracks · epic doom metal

A thunderous blend of monolithic riffs and haunting melodies that evokes an epic battle against darkness.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wizard of the Vortex Start here — This opening track encapsulates the essence of the album with its sweeping instrumentation and powerful vocal delivery, setting the tone for the entire experience.
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Sweet Evil Sun — The title track features a memorable chorus and intricate guitar work, highlighting the band's signature blend of melody and heaviness that defines this album.
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When Death Sighs — This track showcases emotional depth through its lyrical content and dynamic shifts, making it a standout moment that reflects on mortality and despair.
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Crucified — With its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics, this song delves into themes of sacrifice and suffering, representing the darker side of Candlemass's lyrical exploration.

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 performances while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of slow, heavy riffs that dominate the majority of the tracks, creating a dense atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate haunting melodies delivered through layered vocals, enhancing the epic quality of the music.
The final track serves as an outro, featuring a gradual fade-out that leaves a lingering sense of closure.

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 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 with climactic moments
dark atmospheric immersion
melancholic melodies for reflection
haunting soundscapes for solitude

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat and fast music
seek short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality with critical acclaim and strong songwriting in later career.
Themes: mortality and despair· sacrifice and suffering
Career context: 'Sweet Evil Sun' is Candlemass's twelfth studio album, arriving five years after their previous release, 'The Door to Doom.' This album marks a continuation of their legacy in the epic doom metal genre, showcasing the band's ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. With the return of vocalist Johan Langquist, it also represents a significant reunion for the band's classic lineup.
Stylistic neighbors: Solitude Aeturnus· My Dying Bride· Paradise Lost