Leif Edling - Songs of Torment, Songs of Joy (Candlelight Records) - Back
Leif Edling is undoubtedly one of the most important figures associated with the doom metal genre. Starting in the early 80’s under the Nemesis moniker, Edling’s band eventually evolved into the legendary and highly influential Candlemass. In addition to his work in Candlemass, Edling is the driving force behind Kurx, another well respected doom outfit with a lineup that reads like a whose who of the Swedish metal scene. With two active doom metal bands and over two decades of work in the genre, I was taken off guard by the idea of yet another Edling driven doom project. After hearing “Songs of Torment, Songs of Joy” it was clear that the man did indeed need yet another outlet, as the songs featured here are nothing like Candlemass or Krux.

“Songs of Torment, Songs of Joy” is an extremely dark album, even for this genre. Although the thick plodding riffs that form the backbone of this album clearly bear Edling's stamp, the similarities to his other work end there. “Songs of Torment, Songs of Joy” relies heavily on eerie sounding keyboards to create atmosphere, often mimicking the sound of an organ, and sometimes bringing more abstract sounds into play. The vocals are provided by Edling himself and are different but very well done. Cleanly sung in a style that is almost spoken at times, the vocals are enhanced by an effect (some type of reverb?) that makes it sound like he is singing from inside a cave or dungeon. The alien sound of the vocals, coupled with the eerie keyboards work well together and create a very oppressive atmosphere.

Despite the album's title, there are no songs of joy to be had here, this album is dark and almost disturbing at times. “Songs of Torment, Songs of Joy” is far more atmospheric than Edling’s other projects, this is the type of music that one might expect to hear coming from a haunted castle or abandoned crypt. It is different and very well done, but probably not something that most people will want to listen to every day or in every situation. Still, I can see this being an album that I will continue to return to periodically for many years because of it’s uniqueness and the very specific mood that it creates.

Rating: 82

Reviewed By: Garett F.