The conveyer belt of re-issues from Peaceville continues at a mesmeric rate with their exhaustive supply of old Mayhem and Carpathian Forest albums being enough to slate the thirst of even the most blood hunger of Black Metal fan. Now comes the turn of Doom stalwarts Candlemass, with their long out of print debut “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” and it’s equally influential follow up “Nightfall”.

Reviewing albums of such stature and reverence is an impossible task as all adjectives have been used in the description of these albums; while in addition to this there is as much myth as there is truth surrounding these recordings built up over years of repeated revolutions on the turn table and their quoted influence on to numerous a list of bands to recount. The Candlemass of 2007 is most certainly a slicker and arguably better sounding unit than they were twenty years ago, and the addition of Robert Lowe unquestionably the finest Doom vocalist out there today has only enhanced the bands standing; but Messiah Marcolin and Johan Lanquist are pieces of Doom legend and any flaws that might have existed have long since been erased from memory and replaced with the clouds of nostalgia.

Individually both "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" and "Nightfal" should already be the very cornerstone of any self respecting Doom fans collection, after all the US had Vitus and Pentagram so it is only fair we should hold two of the greatest works aloft from the kings of European Doom. While in today's standards both albums sound somewhat dated, that in itself is part of their charm, a snapshot of what help define much that has followed these records. Well with gems as "Solitude", "Bewitched" and "At The Gallows End" on offer who could fail to be inspired?

Both albums have been lovingly repackaged with a whole host of 'bonus' material, including liner notes from Leif Edling himself and a raft of rare demo and live material. Nectar of the gods for the aficionados of Candlemass material, after all we had been starved of Candlemass for all so long and make listening to these albums an all new experience. Like you need a reason to listen to these 100% proof slabs of Doom heritage, and if all this doesn't sway you to purchase  these records then you are better left indoors as there really is no hope for you.