Candlemass

Candlemass

Nuclear Blast

9/10: After 16 years, they have not lost a beat. Stunning!

10 Tracks, 58:35

There sure seems to be a lot of reunions happening these days. Legendary members returning to their places of past glories, and even entire bands are stoking those fires that have been left to smoulder for many years. Coming off of their reunion tour, Candlemass has graced us once again with an eponymous effort that is 16 years in the making, and it doesn't have a single thing wrong with it. This is doom perfected.

The album kicks off with a bang. Black Dwarf is a track that has "live-opener" written all over it. Immediately crushing the listener with an infectious riff that will have you humming and banging your head for days on end. The whole album is like this. Born in a Tank just rips. It's amazing that there doesn't seem to be a hint of rust.

Messiah Mercolin is as good as I have ever heard him. He's turns in a performance that harkens back to the masterpieces of Nightfall and Ancient Dreams. And if you're a just coming to know the band, you may say that this is a definitive attempt that marks his career. I can't say the same, but he's right back in the mix of the "best-frontman" discussion.

Let's hope that they decide to stay around. With efforts like this, going on a prolonged hiatus doesn't seem needed.

Chris Burnham