Candlemass "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus"

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 translation rendering of Epic Doom Metal — the genre which the band helped pioneer and with which it is most commonly identified. Although he was actually a guest musician at the time of its recording, this was the only Candlemass album to feature vocalist Johan Längqvist until he joined the band, officially, in 2018.

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 Längqvist 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.


The album has been re-issued in several formats. These include a re-issue by Powerline Records in 2002 that included a bonus disc of a live performance recorded in Birmingham in 1988. In 2011, the album was re-issued by Peaceville Records with an expanded booklet and the same bonus disc.

Original vinyl release on Black Dragon Records. Concurrent US release licensed to Leviathan Records. 

A ''half live'' version video was made for ''Solitude'', with Messiah Marcolin on vocals. 

"Leif Edling would like to dedicate "Solitude" to himself" is the inscription on the insert. 

The voice at the beginning of "Demons Gate" is Leif Edling's, slowed down. 

"Under the Oak" was already written as part of the "Tales of Creation" concept, originally released on the same titled demo, and later on the album of that title. 

"Demons Gate" is lyrically based on Lucio Fulci's 1981 horror classic "The Beyond". 


"Black Stone Wielder" is Leif Edling's personal interpretation of The Three Wise Men, and it contains melody from the Swedish 19th century song "Gläns över sjö och strand" a.k.a. "Betlehems stjärna".

Recorded at Thunderload Studios.