It is fairly an odd feeling to review this newest effort of CANDLEMASS. Two reasons are given for that. First: because singer Robert Lowe, one of the best singers in this genre, got fired shortly before the album release due to his deficient vocal performances and second: because it is the will of band boss Leif Edling that Psalms For The Dead is the last studio record ever for the Stockholm-based Doom Metal institution (well, I give them 2 years maximum to change his mind).
This announcement makes Psalms For The Dead a legacy, a worthy as well as classic ending of a long and changeful career. And that is exactly the aspect this record is focusing on: Psalms For The Dead is somewhat of the essence of CANDLEMASS. This album summarizes all trademarks and characteristics of the last 25 years the band is so known for. New songs wrapped in the old style reflecting and breathing the past. But it also means that there is nothing really new on this album, except for the stronger use of the Hammond organ and the spooky approach in The Sound Of Dying Demons. The production is lacking a bit of punch and power. Though, tracks such as the opening crusher Prophet, the already mentioned The Sound Of Dying Demons, the mighty The Lights Of Thebe, The Killing Of The Sun and the thundering closer Black As Time are a great homage to the band and its history.
As for the singing I think Rob Lowe once again did a good job, although I sense out a slight change to the worse when you compare Psalms For The Dead with King Of The Grey Islands, the first album with Lowe.
As for the last ever record, the grand finale, the true fan might have expected more, nevertheless Psalms For The Dead is a good one, perfectly for those who just started listening to Doom Metal or the ones who lost sight of CANDLEMASS over the last years but liked them in the past.