Sing out on the following poll to let us know what your favorite Candlemass album is! I've left out live albums, comps and EPs.

For me it will always be EPICUS. Nightfall is a really close second.

I went for Epicus too, for me they have never matched that album.

Epicus all the way, Nightfall is pretty darn close. To be honest, I think they're best work are the tracks on the Nemesis (pre-Candlemass) EP (sans the Anglewitch rip-off....). Newer Candlemass didn't really grab me all that much, it eemed to have less spirit? Ancient Dreams was okay I guess, the production was a bit bland I thought

I didn't choose any of these records, I really love the old CANDLEMASS songs, but I also hate the voice of their singers... except Robert LOWE.
I agree, both studio albums with him don't fit in the genuine CANDELMASS style, they include a couple of good tracks, but nothin' more.

So, for me the best one is their last live album, ASHES TO ASHES, featuring good old tracks with Robert LOWE's voice.

Johan Lanquist was the best Candlemass vocalist by far in my mind, followed by Messiah. Lowe was a bit meh for me to be honest.

Nah, Solitude Aeturnus did ever grab me really. They just seem to pale in comparison to a band like Candlemass. Perhaps it's just the albums I've got though, I've only really heard Downfall and Through the Darkest Hour. They just seemed to be missing ... something, I can't quite pick it, I just really didn't enjoy them that much

That's fun, I like Lowe's vocals in SA too… though in Candlemass he's not my cup of tea. The last couple of records are very good, but I miss the majesty and epic of the old Candlemass. And this leads me to the next point: Johan Langquist is my fave Candlemass singer ever. He's epic without sounding bombastic, melodic but not cheesy… what else could I say?

P.S.: this is my first post here, so hi everyone!

I have to go for Nightfall - that record is just filled with great songs. But Epicus would be a close second.

I have read the above discussion and my 2 cents is that I actually like both "great periods" of the bands output - the classic 80ies golden era and the current "revival". But then again I am do not need my doom necessarily to be "depressive" or "melancholic" - good music is good music whatever the mood it tries to convey.

PS - one more nevcomer to the forum - hi everybody

Hi Jan,

I am really surprised someone said they don't like Robert Lowe, in my experience he has been the most popular vocalist for Candlemass but I guess it depends on who you talk to. I voted for Epicus but Nightfall came real close, great album.

Hi Jan from me too, great to see all these new people joining the board.

I've read my post again and it seems I am the smart old fart that hates all that is new… and that's far from the truth. Though the total number of goosebumps I get with the new Candlemass is lower than those I get with the older, I really enjoy (as Jan pointed) the two "great periods" of the band. And imho Solitude Aeturnus kicks ass.
And musing about the different Candlemass incarnations, sometimes I fantasize about the new Candlemass age with Felipe Plaza (Procession, Capilla Ardiente) on vocals… it'd be killer!

Epicus for me too but I don't really like the vocals though. They need to re-record that album with Lowe doing the singing. I suppose you Candlemass fans hate me now lol.

For an overall favorite album, I'd have to say with Epicus Doomicus as well. Its hard to put it over Nightfall, Ancient dreams & Tales of Creation (what I consider the 'holy trinity' of Messiah albums...) but the superb selection of songs, murky production and Johan's despairing vocals hit the spot for me on the first record.

However, Messiah is my favorite Candlemass vocalist. My most played Candlemass album is definitly the Candlemass- Live from i believe '89 or '90... great selection of songs again, and the performance is fantastic.

I can't say i'm a huge fan of the Lowe albums... he is my least favorite vocalist for them, though I love his Solitude Aeturnus stuff. He's a great vocalist, but the newer albums just don't feel like Candlemass in my opinion.

Epicus wins as my favorite Candlemass album. It has the best atmosphere and most of their best songs IMO, but that's not to say that the others are slouches. Not familiar with their mid-period albums, but I like both old and "revival" Candlemass, even though the direction is admittedly different now.

I thought I had already commented on this thread, that's what I get for thinking. I think the first Candlemass recording is a bit overrated. I really enjoy 'Solitude' but that's its. The music is relatively boring and the vocals are awful. I've been torn for ever between Nightfall and Ancient Dreams. They are just landmark pieces of excellence; but King of the Grey Islands is in the same league IMO. The self titled "white album" is pretty close too.

I think I voted for the first album but who the hell knows ha ha. My tastes in Candlemass changed daily so my favorite changes with it.

Epicus was the album that really got me into doom metal. They have never done anything better in my opinion.

Nightfall for me. It was the first Candlemass album I ever listened to and is still my favorite to this day. I loved Messiah as vocalist.

Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is the best but then again it's one of the best albums of all time. I love the Messiah albums and the new Robert Lowe ones are pretty great too. Just got From The 13:th Sun (I missed it at the time of release) the other day and I am loving it because its a great dark Sabbath sounding album.

It looks like Epicus has got this poll sowed up, the other albums are not even close. It is probably one of the strongest debut albums ever released in doom. Funny though at the time of its release, I didn't think it was anything special but now it is in my top 10 of favorite doom albums of all time.

Candlemass are my favorite trad doom band but only on the strength of their earlier albums. Is it just me or does the last couple of albums suck? They just don't sound doom enough for my tastes.

Nightfall for me. That was really the album that got me into metal in the first place.

I finally got around to casting my vote as I'm only a casual Candlemass listener. I find them to be pretty uneven and I have a hard time with most of their vocalists. Ultimately I went with "From the 13th Sun" even though it's propably tied with Epicus. I really dig the trippy elements of that album--it really stands apart from most of their recordings.