Ancient Dreams - Candlemass

While 'Ancient Dreams' doesn't offer Candlemass fans anything they haven't heard before on the previous two releases, it's still a strong album in its own right that further cements their position at the top of their game, just as the imitation acts were starting to gestate. Messiah Marcolin is still the make-or-break element of the band, and fiercely proud of it, judging by his even more elaborate performances here. Marcolin's operatic wail is perfect for the fantasy-themed songs, but he also succeeds in tempering his style for the slower and darker offerings epitomised by the title song and the superb 'Bearer of Pain,' working alongside Lars Johansson's funereal guitar ...  Read the complete review