Candlemass - Chapter VI

Chapter VI is Candlemass' first album since their debut without Messiah Marcolin. It is because of this that this album often gets little recognition, even amongst die hard Candlemass fans. Tomas Vikstrom's vocal delivery is absolutely stellar, and is just as good as Messiah, albeit less operatic. Musically, the songs aren't overly different from what was found on their last album Tales Of Creation. This is still very much an epic doom metal album. I suppose Tomas' vocals place less emphasis on the occult atmosphere of older Candlemass and more on an epic, heavy metal atmosphere. Definitely a worthy addition to Candlemass' stellar discography.
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Corpse - Black Dawn

1986 demo from pre-Grave band Corpse. Black Dawn is a vicious thrash-fest somewhat reminiscent of the Nihlist demos, in that the death metal wasn't yet fully realized. One of my favourite demos ever.
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Black Witchery - Summoning Of Infernal Legions

Black Witchery's two song EP, featuring their most melodic and dare I say, catchy material. But don't be fooled, this is just as uncompromising and crushing as their newer material, just with a little more variation put into the riffs. There's even a clean guitar section near the end of the song.
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Scald - Will Of The Gods Is Great Power

Surely one of the greatest works of epic doom ever written. This album plods along at a primarily slow pace, with wailing high pitched, heartfelt vocals, soaring leads and a perfect production. An under-appreciated Russian masterpiece.
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Atlantean Kodex - The Pnakotic Demos

Atlantean Kodex are a German band playing epic doom metal. This 35-minute EP contains some of the most breathtaking, inspiring music I've ever heard. The Solstice influence is clearly heard throughout.
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Rites Of Thy Degringolade - Totality

Totality is a mind-blowing chaotic maelstrom of technical, claustrophobic black metal riffing with maniacal shrieks and break neck speeds. For fans of all things extreme.
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