What is the best Candlemass album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" (1986). It's the most representative of what makes Candlemass worth hearing.

What are the best Candlemass albums?

The essential Candlemass albums include "Samarithan", "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" (1986), "Nightfall" (1987), "Ancient Dreams" (1988) and "Tales of Creation" (1989).

How many albums does Candlemass have?

Candlemass has 27 releases in their discography, including 18 albums and 8 EPs.

Photo: Birgit Fostervold from Arendal, Norge · CC BY-SA 2.0

Candlemass

Q: Who is Candlemass for?

If you're into epic doom metal, Candlemass is worth your time. With slow tempos and heavy riffing, their music creates a cavernous atmosphere marked by contrasting moments of crushing weight and soaring melodic peaks.

With slow tempos and heavy riffing, their music creates a cavernous atmosphere marked by contrasting moments of crushing weight and soaring melodic peaks.

epic doom metal

Sweden Est. 1984

Read about Candlemass on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Epicus Doomicus Metallicus album by Candlemass

Epicus Doomicus Metallicus (1986)

This album defines the epic doom metal genre, showcasing Candlemass's signature heavy riffs and melodic peaks in a cohesive listening experience.

The song

“Solitude”

This track features an immediate hook and encapsulates the band's style with its haunting melodies and powerful instrumentation.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Lucifer Rising" — from Lucifer Rising (2008)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Droid" — from From the 13th Sun (1999)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Wizard of the Vortex" — from Sweet Evil Sun (2022)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Emperor of the Void" — from King of the Grey Islands (2007)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"Mirror Mirror" — from Ancient Dreams (1988)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Black Dwarf" — from Candlemass (2005)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Candlemass

Candlemass matters as a cornerstone of the epic doom metal movement, reshaping the landscape of heavy music with their atmospheric and grand approach to songwriting.

Their work has carved out a distinct space where darkness and melody intertwine, influencing generations of musicians seeking to evoke deep emotional responses through slow, powerful riffs and somber themes. The band's storytelling prowess invites listeners into a world that grapples with existential dread, loss, and the supernatural, shifting the tone of metal toward something more operatic and lyrical. Their process involves layering dense guitar harmonies with rich, soaring vocals, creating an immersive experience that feels both monumental and intimate. By emphasizing the dramatic elements of their music, they transform traditional metal structures into narratives filled with tension and release, effectively inviting audiences into a collective journey rather than just delivering individual songs. This innovative approach has established them as a pivotal force in shaping not only the sound but also the performance dynamics within the genre. Lyrically, Candlemass often explores themes of mortality, despair, and redemption, employing a tone that balances sincerity with theatricality. Their storytelling is impressionistic, allowing listeners to engage with emotional landscapes rather than straightforward narratives. The band’s voice carries an epic weight, conjuring vivid imagery that amplifies the depth of their subject matter.

18 studio albums· 27 total releases· 3 decades· Sweden