Well, well...just as we all thought that we would finally witness the second greatest era in the history of the classic Candlemass line up, a thought that was clearly justified by the release of the same-titled opus back in 2005, the Swedish Doomsters decided to once again prove their reputation for being one of the most unpredictable bands in the world. On the 28th of April 2006, Messiah Marcolin (vocals) announced his (second) departure from the ranks of the band, claiming 'musical disagreement' as the reason, and the world of Doom Metal froze!

Since that very day, many of us hoped that the charismatic frontman would have a change of mind and return to the band - a hope that remained alive even when the first rumors of Robert Lowe (Solitude Aeturnus) joining the band first started to appear in magazines and webzines world-wide. Well, much to the disappointment of Messiah’s dedicated fan-base, the band has finally decided to release their latest album 'King of the Grey Islands' with Robert behind the microphone, but the overall result is of such epic proportions that one has to approve the choice of replacement singer as entirely correct.

Let me make things straight here: I do not believe that there is any singer out there capable of convincing me that he is better suited for the role of frontman for Candlemass than Messiah, and it is true that one of the main things that this album lacks are the operatic/pompous melodies that only his 'blessed' vocal can produce, but I would be lying if I was to say that Robert Lowe’s contribution was not important in the process of making 'King of the Grey Islands' a release worthy of bearing the band’s name. This contribution, combined with Leif Edling’s (bass) well-established compositional/musical ingenuity gave birth to ten impressive compositions that even the most loyal of fans will find difficult to reject.

After a short acoustic intro, a riff of immeasurable epic proportions will introduce you to 'Emperor of the Void' - the heaviest composition of the album. Simple in its structure but passionate in its performance, this four and a half minute composition with its catchy refrain and groovy breaks will win you over in no time. Closer to some of the band’s most classical compositions, 'Devil Seed' does indeed impress with its heaviness and comes in direct contrast with 'Of Stars and Smoke' - a lyrical/atmospheric composition with a certain late Black Sabbath (see 'Headless Cross') aura which in my opinion displays Robert Lowe’s best vocal performance of the album. The price for the most ‘disturbing’ song of the album should definitely be awarded to 'Demonia 6', seeing as it is based on one of the most claustrophobic riffs that I have listened to in recent times and that of ‘familiarity’ should be granted to 'Destroyer' whose main theme is terribly reminiscent of that of the 'Samarithan' (see 'Nightfall' album).

If what you are looking for in this album is rhythmical mid-tempo riff-based compositions, then you should definitely pay attention to both 'Man of Sorrows' and 'Clearsight', but I warn you - save some energy for the very end because the Slayeresque (see 'Dead Skin Mask') melodic theme of 'Embracing the Styx' will certainly ‘show no mercy’.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have an announcement to make: Candlemass are alive and kicking and have created another impressive album that goes by the name 'King of the Grey Islands' - an album that you should definitely add to your CD collection. I am well aware that you miss the presence of the gentle rotund monk, God knows I do, but do not allow these feelings to blind you from the truth which is that Candlemass with Robert Lowe are a powerful outfit capable of keeping us on our toes with their future releases, which I personally hope will be numerous.

****½

Review by John Stefanis