Candlemass
Formed: 1985
From:
Stockholm,
Sweden
Last Known Status: Regrouped
Background
After Leif Edling dissolved the band Nemesis, he started his own band under the name Candlemass. The first Candlemass album was Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, released in 1986 and now considered a milestone in the doom metal scene.
The next release was Nightfall (1987), considered by some as one of the greatest doom metal albums ever.The line-up had now changed: new members were Messiah Marcolin (vocals), Lars Johansson (lead guitar) and Jan Lindh (drums). This line-up is generally considered the most important and the most successful in the band's history. [citation needed] The next two albums were Ancient Dreams (1988), that is now considered an apogee of doom metal classics,and Tales of Creation (1989), where the band moved beyond the edges of classic doom metal and made its touch to progressive metal. This album is distinguished from previous releases by adding some speed-up patterns into the band's original sound, usually used in progressive metal. In 1990, a live album was released. Shortly afterwards, a dispute between the band members resulted in Messiah Marcolin's decision to leave.
After the departure of Marcolin, Candlemass recruited vocalist Thomas Vikström and recorded Chapter VI (1992). Candlemass then disbanded, partly because the album was unsuccessful [citation needed] and partially because Leif Edling had formed another project under the name of Abstrakt Algebra. With Abstrakt Algebra not doing well, Leif suddenly recruited a new line-up under the name of Candlemass and recorded the album Dactylis Glomerata, which was a combination of songs for a new Abstakt Algebra CD and some new material. A couple of years later the Black Sabbath-inspired album From the 13th Sun was released.
In 2002, the members of the classic Candlemass line-up decided to reform. They performed some well-received live shows and released another live album. Other albums released by the reformed band were remastered versions of Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, Nightfall, Ancient Dreams and Tales of Creation. A DVD called Documents of Doom has been released as well. The band was working on a new album, with some new songs recorded, and searching for a record label, but differences arose again,[4] resulting in Candlemass disbanding again. In the meantime, Leif Edling started a new project, Krux, with former Abstrakt Algebra singer Mats Leven and two members of Entombed.
In November 2004, the band announced that they have re-united for the second time. They have recorded a new album, named simply Candlemass, with the classic line-up. It was released in May 2005. This CD was named in the top 20 of 2005. They won a Swedish Grammy in 2005.
In 2006 the band announced that a new album was in preparation, to be released sometime in 2007. After much uncertainty regarding Messiah's participation, in October 2006 it was settled that Messiah was out for good. The band found a new vocalist in the person of Robert Lowe (Solitude Aeturnus)[5][6] who recorded the band's new album King of the Grey Islands, released on June 22, 2007. The new album is self-produced except for four songs produced by Andy Sneap.
Current Lineup:
* Robert Lowe - Vocals
* Mats Mappe Björkman - rhythm guitar
* Lars Johansson - lead guitars
* Leif Edling - bass
* Jan Lindh - drums
Latest Candlemass News
Below is our complete Candlemass news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 61 - 80 of 166 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 8 9 Last
Fan Footage Of Mats Leven With Candlemass Surfaces
Footage from Mats Leven's first performance with Candlemass since the firing of Robert Lowe has surfaced on the web. The performance of the band's song "Prophet" (from the latest LP "Pslams of the Dead" - see review here) was captured on June 5, 2012 at Debaser Slussen in Stockholm.
The band's set list for the show was as follows:
Prophet
Dancing in The Temple (of the Mad Queen Bee)
Waterwitch
Dark Reflections
Bewitched
At the Gallow's End
Siren Song
Black Dwarf
Psalms for the Dead
Black as Time
Hammer of Doom
Solitude
Check out the footage here: More...
Headline News
Candlemass Fires Singer Robert Lowe
Candlemass has issued the following statement:
"We are sorry to inform you that Robert Lowe is no longer the singer for CANDLEMASS. It has been a very difficult decision for the band and has mainly to do with the quality of the live performances.
"For the upcoming shows, Robert will be replaced with Mats Levén [YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION, TREAT, ADAGIO, AT VANCE, KRUX], longtime friend of the band. We are convinced this will work out just great.
"The band is currently rehearsing new and old songs with Mats and we know that nobody attending the gigs at Debaser Slussen, Metaltown, Borås or Southern Discomfort will be disappointed.
"Bring you earplugs….it will be hard, massive and loud!
"Keyboard player Per Wiberg [OPETH, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS] is also joining CANDLEMASS onstage for the live shows."
This concludes Lowe's five-year run with Candlemass, whose ranks he joined in 2007. He performed on the band's three most recent studio albums: "King Of The Grey Islands" (2007), "Death Magic Doom" (2009) and "Psalms For The Dead" (2012).
"Psalms For The Dead," Candlemass' planned swan song, is set for release on June 8 via Napalm Records. Our review can be read here. The band will celebrate the new album with a June 5 performance at Debaser Slussen in Stockholm, Sweden.
Petition For Doom "Big Four" Tour Circulating
Smokin’ Johnny (apparently the same guy who’s responsible for the Danzig rumours) has created an online petition by asking its fans to help make a “Big 4 of Doom Metal” tour featuring Saint Vitus, Trouble, Pentagram and Candlemass happen. On why “The Big 4 of Doom Metal” tour should happen, the creator explains:
Since a Big 4 of thrash metal exists, how about a Big 4 of doom metal? Saint Vitus, Trouble, Pentagram and Candlemass all helped shape that genre and a Big 4 lineup featuring all of those bands would be one hell of a tour. They all excelled and made doom metal popular. Unlike the other three bands, Candlemass is from Sweden, but their music has become an important American phenomenon in over the last few decades, and yes, this is one reason why they’re in the lineup.Over a two year period, from 1984 to 1986, all four of the Big 4 bands released defining debut albums; Saint Vitus released their eponymous album, Trouble released "Psalm 9," Pentagram released "Relentless" and Candlemass released "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus." Not only did all of those albums give the scene a united front and further the awareness of doom metal as a genre, but they would influence and inspire many well-known later musicians.
Another thing in common about Saint Vitus, Trouble, Pentagram and Candlemass is that they all cite Black Sabbath as an influence. Candlemass recorded a track called “Black Sabbath Medley” on their 1988 album “Ancient Dreams," which is composed of both parts and lyrics to many of their songs, while Saint Vitus named themselves after a song from Black Sabbath’s 1972 album Vol. 4 called “St. Vitus’ Dance”. Seeing Saint Vitus, Trouble, Pentagram and Candlemass tour together would be such an honor. We, as fans, would love to thank all of them for their hard work and all the classics they’ve been putting out since the 1980's.
If you think the tour should happen, go here to sign the petition. “The Big 4 of Doom Metal” also has a Facebook page, go here to 'like' it.
Candlemass Unveils Final Album Title And Artwork
Swedish epic doom masters have announced the album title and unveiled the artwork to the band's forthcoming and final LP. The album will be entitled "Psalms for the Dead" and will be released in June 2012 through Napalm Records. The band will issue a 7" single with two album tracks ("Dancing In The Temple Of The Mad Queen Bee" and "The Killing Of The Sun") in advance of the full length release. Pre-orders for the single can be made at this location. The artwork for the single and full length can be viewed below.
Mastermind and bassist Leif Edling had the following comments on the new album:
This record represents everything that is Candlemass. It is big, fat, epic and heavy, and it’s also metal as fuck! We couldn’t have done a better album! It’s our last one and we put just all we had into it. 'Psalms For The Dead' is an album about the presence and absence of time, false prophets and inner demons....hymns, regret and farewell. Let there be doom!More...
Napalm To Release Free Sampler At PaganFest
Three Napalm Records recording artists - Alestorm, Arkona, and Huntress - will be joining headliners Turisas as direct support for this year's installment of the PaganFest America tour. To celebrate this monumental tour, Napalm Records is giving away a free label sampler on a first-come/first-served basis to all PaganFest America Part III ticket-buyers. Entitled "With Us Or Against Us - Operation Bald Eagle," this Napalm label sampler includes the following track list:
1) HUNTRESS - Spell Eater
2) MOONSPELL - Lickanthrope
3) MOONSPELL - White Skies
4) CANDLEMASS - Dancing in the Temple of the Mad Queen Bee
5) KONTRUST - Sock 'n' Doll
6) NACHTBLUT - Eiskönigin
7) ATOMA - Rainmen
8) LONEWOLF - Army of the Damned
9) THE GRAVIATORS - Häxagram
10) XANDRIA - Valentine
11) HEIDEVOLK - Een Nieuw Begin
12 DIABULUS IN MUSICA - Sceneries of Hope
13) HELLSAW - Silence
14) IRON FIRE - Taken
15) NEMESEA - Afterlife
16) SVÖLK - 52
17) ARKONA - Slovo
18) THULCANDRA - Black Flags of Hate More...
OpEd
Metal Videos To Get You In The Halloween Mood
Last year Dan from Autumns Eyes wrote up an article on the Top Ten Halloween songs in honor of that most metal of holidays. This year we’re taking a look at those metal songs with music videos to get you into the proper Halloween mood, and to start off we’ll head into the most crazy, over-the-top, and outright ridiculous videos to be found in metaldom.
Gwar – “Immortal Corruptor”
Anything involving both Halloween and metal pretty much automatically is connected with Gwar. The “Immortal Corrupter” video has got pretty much everything a good horror flick should have – monsters, skeletons, torture, disembowelments, and a flaming drum kit that shoots gouts of blood. If you already hate Gwar there’s no way this clip will change your mind, but nobody can claim it isn’t monstrously entertaining.
Headline News
Candlemass Signs With Napalm Records For Final LP
Legendary doom metal masters Candlemass have inked a deal with Austria's Napalm Records, and the band is currently writing material for a final album. An announcement from Napalm Records reads as follows:
"Napalm Records is very proud to announce that the legendary Swedish doom metal legend Candlemass has joined their ranks. The band is currently working on material for their farewell album, which is tentatively scheduled for a spring 2012 release."
Candlemass commented on the signing: "Now it is official, Swedish doom 'meisters' Candlemass have signed with Austrian Napalm Records for their 11th and last studio album. The band is very happy and excited about this and are looking forward to work with such a great and growing label as Napalm, home of cool bands like Monster Magnet, Karma To Burn, and Isole."
More details on the final studio release are expected soon.
Candlemass To Release 25th Anniversary 2CD Set
Peaceville Records will be releasing a special 25th anniversary 2CD edition of the Candlemass album "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" on May 16th. The record label commented on the upcoming reissue:
"Marking 25 years since the release of the genre-defining Candlemass Doom metal debut, this special edition of 'Epicus Doomicus Metallicus' includes a bonus disc featuring commentary by founding member Leif Edling, with stories behind the songs & the recordings.
"'Epicus…' is presented in a deluxe mediabook with extra liner notes including an introduction by Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride."
Further details on the 25th anniversary edition are available at this location.
Nuclear Blast Clips Vol. 1 Release Date Postponed
Nuclear Blast has announced that the forthcoming "Nuclear Blast Clips Vol.1" DVD / Bluray compilation has been postponed to February 11th, 2011. The track listing is as follows:
1. Accept - Teutonic Terror
2. Sabaton – Uprising
3. Blind Guardian - A Voice In The Dark
4. Dimmu Borgir - Dimmu Borgir
5. Immortal - All Shall Fall
6. Death Angel - Truce
7. Avantasia - Dying For An Angel
8. Sonic Syndicate - Turn It Up
9. Filter - The Inevitable Relapse
10. Soilwork - Deliverance Is Mine
11. Exodus - Downfall
12. Kataklysm - Push The Venom
13. Overkill - Bring Me The Night
14. Eluveitie - Thousandfold
15. Equilibrium - Der Ewige Sieg
16. Ex Deo - The Final War
17. Suicidal Angels - Beyond The Laws Of Church
18. Arsis - Forced To Rock
19. Mnemic - Diesel Uterus
20. Tarot - I Walk Forever
21. Indica - Islands Of Light
22. Callejon - Sommer, Liebe, Kokain
23. Scar Symmetry - The Iconoclast
24. Filter - No Love
25. All Ends - Generation Disgrace
26. Rhapsody Of Fire - Sea Of Fate
27. Decrepit Birth - The Resonance
28. Suffocation - Cataclysmic Purification
29. Nile - Permitting The Noble Dead To Descend To The Underworld
30. Behemoth - Alas, Lord Is Upon Me (censored) More...
Candlemass Performs With Original Vocalist
Candlemass recently performed the "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" album with original vocalist Johan Längqvist in Stockholm, Swedem. Footage from the special show can be found in the video clips below.
Candlemass Reveals "Doomology" Tracklisting
European doom veterans Candlemass have revealed the datails surrounding its forthcoming "Doomology" Boxset. The retrospective boxset, which is set for release on December 18, 2010, will feature the following items and tracklistings:
CD 1: First Gig Ever In Jönköping, 1987
1. Intro
2. Crystal Ball
3. Under The Oak
4. Bewitched
5. Demon's Gate
6. The Well Of Souls
7. A Sorcerer's Pledge
8. Solitude
CD 2: Buckley Tivoli, 1988
1. Mirror Mirror
2. Bewitched
3. Solitude
4. The Bells Of Acheron
5. At The Gallows End
6. Demon's Gate
7. Bearer Of Pain
8. Samarithan
9. A Cry From The Crypt
10. Dark Are The Veils Of Death
11. The Well Of Souls
12. A Sorcerer's Pledge
CD 3: Demos From The White Album, 2003-2004
1. Black Dwarf
2. Spellbreaker
3. Seven Silver Keys
4. Assassin Of The Light
5. Copernicus
6. Witches
7. Born In A Tank
8. Black Dwarf
9. Spellbreaker
10. Witches
11. Witches
CD 4: "King Of The Grey Islands" Demos With Mats Levén On Vocals
1. Emperor Of The Void
2. Devil Seed
3. Of Stars And Smoke
4. Demonia 6
5. Destroyer
6. Man Of Shadows
7. Embracing The Styx
8. Edgar Grey
CD 5: Miscellaneous Demos (Johan Längqvist Vocal Audition for "Chapter VI") + Other Rarities
1. Ebony Throne
2. The Dying Illusion
3. Temple Of The Dead
4. The End Of Pain
5. Black Dwarf
6. At The Gallows End
7. Solitude
8. Lucifer Dance
9. Handklover Ouh Klarinett
10. Vört Sistz Rushed
Candlemass To Release "Doomology" Boxset
European doom veterans Candlemass have revealed the datails surrounding its forthcoming "Doomology" Boxset. The retrospective boxset, which is set for release on December 18, 2010, will feature the following items:
CD 1: First-ever concert in Jonkoping (1987)
CD 2: Buckley Tivoli (1988)
CD 3: Demos for the white album (2003 - 2004)
CD 4: "King Of The Grey Islands" demos with Mats Leven on vocals
CD 5: Miscellaneous demos (Johan Langqvist vocal audition for "Chapter VI") and other rarities.
Candlemass Comments On Upcoming Festival Date
Candlemass bassist Leif Edling released the following statement in regards to the band's announcement of plans to perform its iconic album "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" in its entirety at the Roadburn 2011 Festival:
"Candlemass is on for Roadburn 2011! I'm very happy! Not only for the chance to redeem ourselves, it is still our 25th anniversary, for god's sake!
"A black piece of vinyl called 'Epicus Doomicus Metallicus' came out almost exactly 25 years ago, and it will be a bonechilling event for us all...to play the whole shit live at Roadburn! Can't wait! The lights, the sound...the projector show...everything will be absolute KILLER!! Pentagram and Candlemass at Roadburn next year. Jeez...what a show!!!"
Candlemass is scheduled to play on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland. The band will perform a tour hour set, including the full performance of "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus."
Throne Of Malediction Streaming Candlemass Cover
Extreme metal act Throne of Malediction is currently streaming online a cover of the Candlemass song "Solitude." The cover track, along with the previously uploaded songs "The Only Me" and "The Revoker of Dreams," can be heard via the official Throne of Malediction MySpace page. You can also catch Throne of Malediction live on the following dates:
6/19 2010 The Dragons Den/Club Dungeon w/ tba NEED BAND! Kalispell, MT
7/9 2010 The Dragons Den/Club Dungeon w/ Storm Shadow and tba Kalispell, Montana
10/1 2010 The Grateful Head Shop w/Odyssey, Gnarwail and Mageddon Kalispell, Montana
Tribute to Dio on Sweden Rock Cruise
Some of Sweden's finest heavy metal musicians will gather to pay tribute to Ronnie James Dio during this fall's edition of the Sweden Rock Cruise, set to sail on October 7, 2010 from Stockholm, Sweden for Åbo, Finland and return the following day. There will be a long tribute concert with a number of guest musicians performing classic songs from Dio's career with a main band consisting of members of LION'S SHARE.
So far the following artists have been confirmed to perform with LION'S SHARE at the event:
* Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH)
* Joacim Cans (HAMMERFALL)
* Björn Gelotte (IN FLAMES)
* Ian Haugland (EUROPE)
* Messiah Marcolin (ex-CANDLEMASS)
* Johan Edlund (TIAMAT)
* Mike Wead (KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, BIBLEBLACK)
The show will end with all artists performing HEAR 'N AID's "Stars" (Dio was behind the HEAR N' AID project, a collection of metal artists who recorded the track "Stars" in 1985 to raise funds for African famine relief.)
On the cruise, Sweden Rock Magazine will donate SEK 25,000 to the Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, set up by Ronnie James Dio's wife Wendy Dio. Everyone attending the cruise can donate money, which will be sent to this cancer fund.
Brutal Assault Festival Confirms Two More Bands
The organisers of the Czech Republics Brutal Assault festival has announced two more bands for this years edition of the event. New York hardcore legends Agnostic Front will now be performing at the festival, along with other new confirmation, Swedish black metal artists Watain. The festival takes place in the town of Josefov from August 12th-14th.
The lineup is now as follows: More...
Candlemass To Release Live DVD
Swedish doom metal legends Candlemass has announced that they will be releasing a brand new live DVD this year, entitled "Ashes To Ashes." The DVD will see a European release date of April 23rd while fans in North America will have to wait a little longer, as the DVD won't be released there until June 29th. The DVD contains two full live performances from the band, one filmed at last years Sweden Rock Festival, the other at a show in Athens, Greece as well as a bonus CD that features the Sweden show. Also on the DVD will be an in depth interview with lead vocalist Robert Lowe.
The tracklistings are as follows: More...
Candlemass Bassist Posts Tour Report
Leif Edling, the bass player of doom metal legends Candlemass has posted a lengthy message online regarding the bands recent tour, as well as his own advice on what to listen to, read and watch at the moment. The message reads as follows:
"Hello there all you fans of epic doom metal!
"Thank you all for coming to the gigs this summer. It has been awesome! The response to the new album has really inspired us to be even better live. I mean, with fans like you we feel at home all over the world. So thank you for all the great support!
"The gigs in Sweden with ANGELWITCH and TROUBLE were absolutely fantastic. I had a wonderful time seeing Kevin Heybourne play and sing, and we even shared trains in between the cities. Angelwitch and Trouble were totally super live... and man, to see and hear Rick and Bruce play guitar is nothing but mind blowing! They play like one big guitar!! Just great!! Three great bands and not one ego in sight. More...
Candlemass To Perform Special Set At Roadburn
Swedish doom metal veterans Candlemass has announced that they will be performing their debut album, "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" in full at the Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Holland next year with original lead vocalist Johan Längqvist. The festival takes place from April 15-17th.
Rock City Open Air Cancelled
Romania's forthcoming metal festival, Rock City Open Air, appears to have either cancelled or postponed. A message from black metal legends Mayhem reads as follows:
"Unfortunately, Mayhem will not perform in Romania next week as the whole festival has been canceled (or apparently postponed). We are deeply sorry for the fans who wanted to see us performing there. This is of course totally out of our control.
"A statement regarding the reason of the cancellation should be posted on the festival's MySpace page soon."
This news come after the recent news that Immortal, Blood Red Throne, Macbeth and Trail Of Tears have all pulled out of the event. The festival was scheduled to be held from August 20-23rd in Fetesti, Romania.