Description
Candlemass – House Of Doom – Vinyl Record
Candlemass’ House of Doom (2018) is a powerful EP that reflects the Swedish band’s legendary status in the doom metal genre. Known as one of the pioneering acts of epic doom metal, Candlemass had already established a massive following with their monumental 1986 debut album, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, and had been influential in shaping the dark, heavy, and grandiose sound that defines the genre. House of Doom is a continuation of their legacy, blending crushingly slow riffs, ominous atmospheres, and dramatic, operatic vocals.
The EP serves as a teaser for the band’s next full-length release (The Door to Doom in 2019) and features the return of Mats Levén on vocals, whose powerful and commanding voice brings a dynamic presence to the record.
House of Doom is firmly rooted in the epic doom metal style that Candlemass helped define. The music is slow and heavy, with an emphasis on thick, downtuned guitars and melancholic, almost theatrical melodies. Candlemass excels at creating a sense of grandeur and dark majesty, combining the heaviness of doom with a more melodic, epic approach.
The EP is marked by a dark, ominous atmosphere, which is enhanced by slow, droning riffs and haunting vocal lines. Candlemass expertly balances the crushing weight of doom metal with melodic, almost symphonic elements, giving the music a sense of depth and emotion.
Mats Levén’s powerful, dramatic vocal delivery adds to the operatic feel of the music. His soaring, emotionally charged voice complements the slow, heavy instrumentation, adding layers of emotion and intensity to the songs.
Key Tracks
“House of Doom”: The title track opens the EP with a massive, slow-burning riff that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the record. Levén’s vocals are commanding and intense, delivering apocalyptic lyrics with a sense of foreboding. The track’s dark, eerie atmosphere is enhanced by subtle organ work, which adds to the epic, gothic feel of the song. The combination of heavy, down-tuned guitars and haunting melodies makes “House of Doom” one of the standout tracks.
“Flowers of Deception”: This track takes on a more melodic approach, with a slower, more introspective feel. The guitars are heavy but layered with atmospheric effects, creating a somber and reflective tone. Levén’s vocals shine here, delivering a haunting and emotional performance that complements the melancholic instrumental work.
“Fortuneteller”: A quieter, more acoustic-based song, “Fortuneteller” shows Candlemass’ ability to create mood and atmosphere even without the crushing heaviness. The song features soft, clean guitar lines and Levén’s delicate, melodic vocals, which create a sense of sorrow and reflection. The track’s simplicity is what makes it stand out, offering a brief respite from the heaviness of the other songs on the EP.
“Dolls on a Wall”: The closing track returns to the heavier, more aggressive sound of the title track, with pounding drums and thick, sludgy guitars. The song has a dark, sinister feel, with haunting vocal melodies and a driving, doom-laden riff that builds to a powerful climax.
As with much of Candlemass’ discography, the lyrical themes on House of Doom revolve around darkness, despair, and apocalyptic visions. The title track, for example, speaks of the collapse of the world and the inevitable destruction of all things, a theme that fits perfectly with the slow, crushing sound of the music.
The EP delves into themes of mysticism and the occult, with songs like “Fortuneteller” exploring prophetic visions and the supernatural. The lyrics are filled with dark imagery, creating a sense of foreboding and mystery that aligns with the doom-laden atmosphere of the music.
While doom metal is often focused on themes of despair and darkness, Candlemass also brings a sense of melancholy and introspection to their music. Songs like “Flowers of Deception” and “Fortuneteller” have a more personal, reflective tone, dealing with themes of sorrow, deception, and loss.
As expected from a Candlemass release, the guitar work on House of Doom is heavy, slow, and massive. The riffs are thick and down-tuned, with a weight that underpins the entire record. Guitarists Lars Johansson and Mats “Mappe” Björkman create a wall of sound, blending traditional doom metal heaviness with melodic, atmospheric flourishes.
Mats Levén’s vocals are a highlight of the EP. His voice is powerful and operatic, adding a sense of grandeur to the music. Levén’s ability to switch between soft, melodic singing and more forceful, dramatic delivery gives the songs emotional depth and intensity. The subtle use of organ and atmospheric effects on the EP adds a gothic, eerie feel to the music. These elements help to enhance the dark, epic atmosphere, particularly on the title track.
House of Doom is a solid addition to Candlemass’ discography, maintaining their status as one of the leading bands in the doom metal genre. While it is an EP rather than a full-length album, it serves as a bridge between their past work and their next full album, The Door to Doom.
Candlemass has long been regarded as one of the pioneering bands in the epic doom metal subgenre, and their influence on other doom and metal bands remains strong. House of Doom reinforces the band’s legacy, showing that they are still capable of creating powerful, atmospheric music more than three decades into their career.
One of Candlemass’ strengths is their ability to blend crushing heaviness with melodic, almost symphonic elements. This EP showcases that balance, with songs that are both slow and heavy but also rich in atmosphere and emotion.
House of Doom by Candlemass is a powerful addition to the band’s epic doom metal legacy, blending crushingly heavy riffs with dark, atmospheric melodies. The EP showcases Candlemass’ ability to create slow, apocalyptic music while also exploring more melodic and introspective themes. Mats Levén’s commanding vocal performance, combined with the band’s masterful instrumentation, makes this a standout release for fans of doom metal. While short in length, House of Doom reinforces Candlemass’ reputation as one of the most influential and enduring bands in the genre.
Gatefold sleeve. Strictly limited edition.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
House Of Doom
Flowers Of Deception
Fortune Teller
Dolls On A Wall