Green Valley Live

Candlemass, the Swedish doom metal titans, have always been known for their dark and brooding sound. But their latest release, Green Valley Live, turns that reputation on its head with a live performance that is surprisingly light-hearted and fun. From the moment the opening notes of "Dark Are the Veils of Death" hit, it's clear that this is going to be a different kind of Candlemass experience. The band's trademark heavy riffs are still present, but there's a newfound energy and playfulness in their performance that is infectious. The live setting adds a rawness and immediacy to the music that you don't get on their studio recordings. Songs like "Under the Oak" and "Bewitched" take on a new life when performed in front of a crowd, with the audience's energy feeding back into the band's performance. Frontman Johan Längquist is in fine form, belting out the lyrics with passion and charisma. The rest of the band are equally impressive, with each member showing off their technical prowess while still managing to have a good time on stage. Green Valley Live is a welcome departure from Candlemass's usual doom and gloom. It's a reminder that even the darkest music can have a sense of humour and joy. So grab your air guitar and get ready to headbang along to this surprisingly fun live album.