Reunions are getting to be a dime-a-dozen in the metal world these days, but occasionally they bear worthy fruit. The recent comebacks by Judas Priest and Exodus would be good examples of returns that worked, but this new record from the legendary Swedish doom metal band Candlemass is the best yet. It has been 15 years since the line-up on this record has worked together. That version of the band was almost single-handedly responsible for injecting life into the modern doom metal movement with classic albums like "Nightfall" and "Ancient Dreams". No band since Black Sabbath has had such a profound effect on the doom scene.

The self-titling of this record and its almost laughably minimalist cover say one thing: this CD is nothing but Candlemass - no gimmicks, no hype, just the goods. And oh, how they deliver! The CD is so solid in every single aspect...from the flawless production to the superb performances to the tremendous songwriting skill evident in every note...that it actually does what Candlemass' previous classics did not: elevate the band to a status on a level with Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica.

This version of Candlemass is slightly faster and more aggressive than what we've heard in the past, but the core sound is still there and there's more than enough slow paced doom and mournful feeling to satisfy the long-time fans of the band. In addition, the record should attract many newcomers as well. There's something so heavy but classy about "Candlemass" that it is thrust to the status of instant classic. Do not pass this monumental recording up!

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2005 Year Book Volume 3 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2005.