Ancient Dreams

Candlemass' third album, Ancient Dreams is not quite as immediate as its predecessor, but with repeated listens, its songs (mostly running in the seven-minute range) become just as compelling. Outstanding tracks like "Mirror Mirror," "Darkness in Paradise," "The Bells of Acheron," and "Bearer of Pain" combine sluggish, staccato riffs with surprisingly memorable choruses delivered by vocalist Messiah Marcolin with his trademark vibrato overload. The title track and "Incarnation of Evil" do seem to plod on a bit too long, but the more energetic "A Cry from the Crypt" picks up the pace with some typical late-'80s thrashing. The closing "Black Sabbath Medley" is interesting, but hardly surprising, making this an album for serious fans only. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia