Candlemass – Nightfall

Released on November 9, 1987, Nightfall is the second studio album by Swedish doom metal pioneers Candlemass and a defining release in the epic doom genre. The album marked the arrival of vocalist Messiah Marcolin, whose operatic voice became a signature element of the band’s sound. With its slow, crushing riffs, neoclassical flourishes, and brooding atmosphere, Nightfall weaves a dark tapestry of sorrow and grandeur. Tracks like “The Well of Souls” and “Bewitched” blend melodic hooks with a relentless sense of doom, elevating the genre to new artistic heights.

The album's aesthetic is reinforced by its iconic cover artwork—Thomas Cole’s "Old Age"—which reflects the record’s meditations on death and existential despair. Between its dramatic vocal performances, gothic lyricism, and monolithic guitar tones, Nightfall not only built on the success of Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, but established Candlemass as the undisputed leaders of their genre. Decades later, it remains essential listening for fans of doom and traditional heavy metal.

Reviews

“Nightfall is Candlemass’ second full-length album... and shows a huge leap forward on their debut, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, which in itself is an essential buy for any true metal fan.” – Metal Forces Magazine (https://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/album-review-candlemass-nightfall/)

“Nightfall is a metal masterpiece and a doom metal essential. Overcast in gloom and darkness, the mourning climate present on it is absolutely brilliant and refreshing.” – Sputnikmusic (https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/13460/Candlemass-Nightfall/)

“The truly amazing thing about this album... is that there’s simply nothing today that comes close to the level of masterful melancholy that Nightfall captures so well in musical form.” – Metal Reviews (https://www.metalreviews.com/reviews/album/6062)

“Nightfall is by far Candlemass' most melancholy record, with the theme of death and mourning predominant.” – The Metal Crypt (https://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/review.php?revid=1052)

“Candlemass shook the metal world's foundations with their debut... So, having perfectly defined an entire genre at the first attempt, where do you go from there? Well for Leif Edling he decided to do it again, only more so!” – Encyclopaedia Metallum (https://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Candlemass/Nightfall/124/Mercian_Doomster/631549)