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"To hatred, bitterness, suffering, discouragements, and hangovers: without you, making this record would not have been possible."
This epitaph adorns a very particular album. First of all, it is important to highlight its release date, 1986, the golden year of Thrash Metal. Thus, the trend was to compose very fast and aggressive tracks. But Candlemass are not influenced by this and give birth to a milestone of Doom Metal.
This album indeed represents one of its peaks, and if today we can enjoy the (master) works of groups like early Anathema, early Paradise Lost, and My Dying Bride, we owe it in part to this work.
The initial SOLITUDE is already explanatory in itself, showing us on one side melody and on the other something dark and oppressive. A note of merit also goes to the tremendously pessimistic lyrics, manifesting the themes that are and will be typical of this almost unique genre.
The album progresses with tracks that become increasingly dark and solemn, giving each composition an epic and supreme aura. All this through now-legendary tracks like UNDER THE OAK or the stunning final suite A SORCERER'S PLEDGE.
After this album, Candlemass's career would undergo several lineup changes (of which the most significant is the entry of singer Messiah Marcolin) until the definitive breakup (which occurred after a very brief reunion) announced a few days ago, remaining nonetheless one of the fundamental bands of a visionary and evocative genre like no other.
"...and please let me die in solitude"
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