Tales of Creation
Candlemass · 1989
42 min · 11 tracks · epic doom metal
A blend of orchestral grandeur and crushing riffs that define the epic doom metal soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Under the Oak — This track showcases the band's signature blend of melancholic melodies and powerful vocals, highlighting the emotional depth that defines much of their work.
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A Tale of Creation — As the album's title track, it encapsulates the thematic essence of the record, weaving a narrative that combines fantasy and existential reflection.
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Dark Reflections Start here — This song builds on haunting guitar riffs and lyrical introspection, making it a standout example of the band’s ability to merge heaviness with atmosphere.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's orchestral elements and heavy riffs create a distinct epic doom metal sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of orchestral arrangements that complement the heavy guitar riffs, creating a cinematic atmosphere.
- Each track typically follows a slow to mid-tempo pace, with extended instrumental sections that build tension before resolving into powerful choruses.
- Several tracks incorporate choral elements and layered vocals, enhancing the epic feel and depth of the sound.
- 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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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
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
- dramatic emotional narratives
- hauntingly atmospheric soundscapes
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents an artistic high point with cinematic songwriting and influence.
- Career context
- Released in 1989, 'Tales of Creation' is Candlemass's third studio album, following their influential self-titled debut and 'Nightfall'. This record marked a period of artistic consolidation for the band, solidifying their status as pioneers in the doom metal genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Solitude Aeturnus· My Dying Bride· Paradise Lost
Tracklist
- 1 The Prophecy 1:27
- 2 Dark Reflections Start here 5:06
- 3 Voices in the Wind 0:14
- 4 Under the Oak 6:00
- 5 Tears 4:13
- 6 Into the Unfathomed Tower 3:04
- 7 The Edge of Heaven 6:25
- 8 Somewhere in Nowhere 3:47
- 9 Through the Infinitive Halls of Death 5:07
- 10 Dawn 0:25
- 11 A Tale of Creation 6:54
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Turn Loose the Swans
My Dying Bride
Shares a similar blend of orchestral elements and dark, poetic narratives in a doom-infused sound.
Gods of the Earth
The Sword
Combines heavy riffs with epic storytelling, creating a rich and immersive sonic landscape.
Gothic
Paradise Lost
Features haunting melodies and themes of darkness and fantasy, aligning closely with Candlemass's style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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