Review by Ben for Candlemass - Tales of Creation (1989)

Candlemass were incredibly consistent during the late 80s. Releasing 4 albums, one a year, from 86 through to 89, with each one a fine example of doom metal and a thoroughly enjoyable album. Tales of Creation is the last of this memorable run. While I certainly don't think it's the best of their early releases (that's the debut in my opinion), it is a bit of an improvement over Ancient Dreams, which tended to be a tad lacklustre at times.

Tales of Creation is quite a complete album, with short passages connecting the tracks together and a theme of creation running through its entirety. What's strange about it is that while obvious effort was put into creating a "whole" experience, some of the tracks themselves appear incomplete or just don't seem to fit. Somewhere in Nowhere for example just seems to be getting going with some exquisite lead work at about the three and half minute mark, for it suddenly to just fade out into nothingness. Into the Unfathomed Tower finds the band switching into a shredding heavy metal band for a few minutes of un-Candlemass like wankery that also doesn't fit the feel. I can understand the band wanting to break out and do something different, but I enjoy Candlemass for what they are. My final complaint is that while Under the Oak is an awesome track from the debut Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, re-recording it and placing it at track four on Tales of Creation wasn't a great idea. The fact is Messiah's version seems completely lacking in passion compared to the original. It just makes me want to go back and listen to the first album.

So obviously I have some issues with the album that stop it from being a classic doom metal moment, but overall, it's still an album worthy of my collection. Dark Reflections, The Edge of Heaven and Through the Infinitive Halls of Death are all typically epic doom with all the band in fine form. But it's the closing title track that really impresses, finishing the album with what I consider to be one of the very best Candlemass tracks. If you're new to the band, pick up the first couple of albums first, but don't ignore this one. It's Candlemass after all!