'Lucifer Rising' must win first prize for quite possibly the longest EP ever to be released. I mean who has ever heard of a twelve song EP? That being said 'Lucifer Rising' is an intriguing combination of new, old and re-recorded material spanning Candlemass's twenty four year history, a smörgåsbord board of classic Doom. Of the two new tracks on offer we see, sorry hear Candlemass's ability to range from up tempo fist punching Doom to good old fashioned slow as the sloth black as night Doom. Both of which are more than credible additions to the Candlemass arsenal.

The classic 'Demons Gate', taken from the bands debut ‘Epicus Doomicus Metallicus’, is perhaps the stand out track of the whole EP. Treated to quality production and the vocal marvel that is Robert Lowe just goes show if ever there was a need for a time machine it is here, to jump back to 1986 to give this now revered album the reworking it so sorely needs. Of the live tracks it is hard to put much between them as all the bases are covered right up to the more recent 'King Of The Black Islands' album; but sheer enjoyment is a guarantee.

Without question a stop gap release to sway the depraved cravings of the rapid Candlemass fans ahead of the bands new full length album, which will sadly not see the light of day until mid 2009. 'Lucifer Rising' is the realization of a band enjoying a new lease of life and this can be heard in the live tracks which are sounding fresher than ever and can only bode well for the bands tenth studio album.