Epicus Doomicus Metallicus
| Epicus Doomicus Metallicus | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
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| Studio album by Candlemass | ||||
| Released | June 10, 1986 | |||
| Recorded | February 1986 | |||
| Studio | Thunderload Studios, , Sweden | |||
| Genre | Doom metal | |||
| Length | 42:51 | |||
| Label | Black Dragon | |||
| Producer | Ragne Wahlquist and Candlemass | |||
| Candlemass chronology | ||||
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| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   |
| The Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal | 7/10 |
| Metal Archives | 86% |
| Sputnik Music | 98% |
| Metal Storm | 9/10 |
| Metal Music Archives | |
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is the debut album of the Swedish doom metal band Candlemass. It was released June 10, 1986 on Black Dragon Records. On its release, the album had a significantly different sound than other European heavy metal bands of the time, because of their use of operatic vocals mixed over slow and heavy guitar riffs. The album did not sell well on its initial release, which led to the group being dropped from the label during the same year. Since then, the album has been re-issued in several different formats. The album title Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is a Dog Latin rendering of Epic Doom Metal — the genre which the band pioneered and is most commonly identified.
In 1985, the members of Candlemass began writing the songs "Under the Oak", "Crystal Ball", "Demons Gate" and "Dark Reflections" in Upplands Väsby. In November 1985, the group recorded a demo album at O.A.L Studios, which featured the songs "Demons Gate" and "Black Stone Wielder". The band did not have a regular lead singer at the time and Leif Edling performed vocals for the demo. The group sent the demo to Black Dragon Records in Paris, France, who offered Candlemass a one-record deal with a budget of $1,800.
In February 1986, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus was recorded at Thunderload Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, with producer Ragne Wahlquists. Still without a regular vocalist, Johan Langquist performed the vocals despite not hearing any of the music the bands had performed beforehand.
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus' differs from other European metal bands who were known for "playing at breakneck speeds and screaming in a high-pitched frenzy". Candlemass' album features slower riffs and vocals delivered in a "baritone, operatic style". The opening song "Solitude" features lyrics revolving around themes of suicide and depression.
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus was released on June 10, 1986 on vinyl and compact disc. The band was dropped from Black Dragon Records due to disappointing album sales. Candlemass followed up the album with Nightfall (1987), after being signed to Axis Records.
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