Review | Johan Langquist – The Castle

I Hate Records

This is the first album by current Candlemass vocalist Johan Langquist under his own name. Originally released on (only) digital format in 2024, I Hate Records stepped in and the recordings are now available on CD and vinyl.

TRIBUTE

This album is according to Johan a tribute to the seventies and eighties, to bands like Black Sabbath, Rainbow etcetera. But that does not mean that we are getting confronted with a pure doom metal epos here. This is a combination of doom and heavy metal with the emphasis on heavy metal. And when you listen carefully you can hear certain Savatage-elements have been integrated in several songs such as ,,Where Are The Heroes’’ and the ballad ,,Bird Of Sadness’’. Sure, you can also hear Candlemass sipping through on the record but not to the extent that it becomes too obvious. In fact, together with a bunch of experienced Swedish musicians plus the soprano female singer Emilie Lindquist (who does an excellent job with her atmospheric contributions) Johan has managed to create a pitch perfect match of both above mentioned musical styles.

JOHAN LANGQUIST THE CASTLE – THE CONCLUSION

Some tracks have real epic features. ,,Freedom’’ is one of them. It is a breathtaking song, with heavy guitars, atmospheric vocals by Johan and Emilie and a powerful end. ,,Raw Energy’’ is true to its song title with its hellraising force and domination. Closer ,,Bird Of Sadness’’ has something captivating with Johan sounding emotional and the guitars cry along. It is quite an epic song. All in all, there are certainly only good songs present here. In a way Johan shows us a different side of himself, on the other hand he also stays true to his current band. He is showing us the best of both worlds in a musical environment that suits him down to the ground. Into doom, heavy metal, and a pinch of classic rock? ‘Johan Langquist The Castle’ will definitely be your cup of tea!!

Release date: 27 June 2025