Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: CANDLEMASS; signed via Napalm Records, hailing from Swedish grounds - performing Epic Doom Metal, on their 5th EP entitled: "House Of Doom" (released May 25th, 2018).

Since formation in 1982 as NEMESIS & then CANDLEMASS in 1984; the quintet in question have 4 Demos, 13 Singles; 1 Split Video, 5 Live Albums; 2 Splits, 6 Compilations; 2 Box Sets, 4 Videos, and 11 full-length records in their discography so far. I have the opportunity to review their 5th EP entitled: "House Of Doom". 4 tracks ranging at around 19:39... the quartet deliver an intricately designed formula of hard-hitting Epic Doom Metal developments. Starting off with the battering titular track; I notice a hint of BLACK SABBATH's first song "Black Sabbath", opening with a chime from a bell and a concrete distinction of doomy melodies and an aesthetic of blistering guitars fuelled with a granidose manifestation of organic substances - relentlessly pulverizing with ambient, Doom Metal gloominess.

Consisting of Mats Levén on vocals; the frontman consistently conveys an elegant vocalization process, pipes of clean roughness and a proficient portrayel of rhythmic stability. "Flowers of Deception" showcases complex dexterity from guitar duo Lars "Lasse" Johansson (on lead) & Mats "Mappe" Björkman (on rhythm); the pair provide dominate diversity and dynamic variety of profusely robust thunder, gritty thumpiness as well as a fluidly polished ramification of diligent flamboyancy. "Fortuneteller" has a distinguished concept of operatic singing and contrasts with diligent efficiency; including finesse and exquisite musicianship, pretty remarkable songwriting so far.

Powerhouse bassist Leif Edling & pummelling drummer Jan Lindh contribute a hammering demonstration in the overall concluding song "Dolls On A Wall", as the sound production distributes a moody atmosphere, still energized with hardened hymns of adroit progression and technical prowess. Bottom line; CANDLEMASS are a minority of old-school 80s Doom and the "House Of Doom" is certainly a great EP, is it a good starting point? Probably, yes – it is however an enjoyable experience and a great discovery that fans old and new will agree is a fantastic EP, definitely worth checking out, as well as the upcoming new record hopefully due out soon.<