Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is beyond legendary, especially for a band that has spanned many decades (and many vocalists), but has also stayed fairly true to their core doom metal roots. And that core element is exactly what is on display here in this debut, in its truest and rawest form. That last sentence sounds like maybe I am talking about a black metal band, but what I mean to say is, is that later iterations of Candlemass come with varying degrees of cheese and pomp (in particular the Messiah era lol), but Epicus Doomicus Metallus is exactly what it says it is. It is the Ronseal of epic doom metal.
The production is, perhaps expectedly, a lovely warm analogue sound, where the compositions really breathe. The highlight of the songs for me is, as with all Candlemass (and most doom metal actually), the riffs, which are beyond magical. How can something so heavy be so catchy?
I was lucky to catch the guys playing this at Roadburn festival in its entirety so I think that definitely gave me a much deeper appreciation of this record. It’s also really cool that as of 2023, Candlemass have come full circle and now have their original vocalist back. Good times.
TLDR: essential doom metal listening.