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.
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Candlemass Announce U.K. Tour Dates
Legendary Swedish doomsters CANDLEMASS have scheduled two exclusive gigs in the U.K. in September:
Sep. 11 – Leeds, UK @ Rio's
Sep. 12 – London, UK @ Dingwalls
As previously reported, fan-filmed video footage of CANDLEMASS performing the song "Black Dwarf" at the Metaltown festival on Saturday, June 30 in Gothenburg, Sweden has been posted at YouTube.
CANDLEMASS' new album, "King of the Grey Islands", was released on June 22 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Former CANDLEMASS frontman Messiah Marcolin told BLABBERMOUTH.NET on May 12, 2007 that "It has come to my attention that someone pretending to be me has written a fake statement on the official CANDLEMASS forum. I have not written the fake statement and I do not agree with the lies in it. The only official statement I have made was on Blabbermouth April 28, 2006. [See Messiah's previous statement at this location.] I then told you I have quit CANDLEMASS and that it's 100 percent definite that I will not return. 'We could not agree on how to do the new album.' That statement was as true then as it is now. I will tell you one more thing though. I have never had a 'severe pre-recording psychosis.' [See previous BLABBERMOUTH.NET story.] That was a lie told by Leif Edling [CANDLEMASS bassist/songwriter]."
"King of the Grey Islands" features Marcolin's replacement, Robert Lowe of SOLITUDE AETURNUS.
CANDLEMASS celebrated its 20th anniversary at a special concert held at Stockholm's Kolingsborg on March 31, 2007. The band performed with no less than seven (!) different vocalists at the show — including the band's former singers Johan Langquist and Tomas Vikström, plus Lowe. Check out video footage from the gig at YouTube.
Candlemass' Leif Edling Comments On Messiah Split
A brand new audio interview (stream 1 & stream 2) with Candlemass bassist/songwriter Leif Edling has been posted online by Studio Brussel. Edling comments on former frontman Messiah Marcolin and some of the recording challenges the failing relationship caused. “…he was such a difficult person to deal with.”
The interview was broadcast on "Whiplash", the only metal show on national radio in Belgium. The program is hosted by Dries Van Damme, guitarist of the band After All.
Messiah recently offered this point of view, "It has come to my attention that someone pretending to be me has written a fake statement on the official Candlemass forum. I have not written the fake statement and I do not agree with the lies in it. The only official statement I have made was on Blabbermouth April 28, 2006. I then told you I have quit Candlemass and that it's 100 percent definite that I will not return. 'We could not agree on how to do the new album.' That statement was as true then as it is now. I will tell you one more thing though. I have never had a 'severe pre-recording psychosis.' That was a lie told by Leif Edling.”
Candlemass celebrated its 20th anniversary at a special concert held at Stockholm's Kolingsborg on March 31. The band performed with no less than seven (!) different vocalists at the show — including the band's former singers Johan Langquist and Tomas Vikström, Mikael Akerfeld of Opeth, and featuring new vocalist Rob Lowe. Check out video footage from the gig at YouTube.
Candlemass bassist/leader Leif Edling also recently spoke to Metal Maniacs magazine about the band's new album, "King of the Grey Islands", Messiah Marcolin's departure and the addition of Solitude Aeturnus vocalist Robert Lowe. A couple of excerpts follow:
On Messiah Marcolin:
"I do want to say that if he [Messiah] hadn't taken this public, I wouldn't have had to respond in public. I think it's a shame that Messiah feels the need to go out in public and on forums to further prove that he's in the wrong, though I'm not surprised by it…For the last album, he did a lot of interviews where he was apologizing, saying he was sorry for being a wanker to the others in the band…We had huge success with the last album and we sold a lot of copies. Everything was rosy, and we really had no fucking problems. And then Messiah starts in whining about this or that, and — we call him The Big Black Negative Hole, because he just sucks the life out of whoever's around him as far as the band goes. Sure, you have days when it's good, and we had good times with him, but you just know that very, very soon something will happen to turn it all to shit."
Edling continues to comment on the choice of a new vocalist, “We wanted someone unknown, but someone with the stage presence and vocal prowess Candlemass fans expect, and we as a band expect as well. We hadn't actually thought of going for someone already in a well-respected band, but we got an email from Heather, Robert's girlfriend, asking if we'd thought of Robert. I knew who he was, of course, but only had heard him sing Solitude Aeturnus songs. We sent him the demoed tracks for the album, and after we got his tapes back with his vocals over top, it was like, 'Fuckin' hell, this is brilliant!..Everything with this album (King of the Grey Islands) happened at the 11th hour. Still, we didn't panic or anything. We never really operate with a Plan B, which can be stressful at times, but that's how we work. We got Robert just barely in time for him to sing on the album, and I'll tell you, sometimes the stress was at ulcer level. We knew what had to be done, though, so we just made it happen as always.”
You can read the full interview in the October 2007 issue of Metal Maniacs, on sale August 21.
For more from Leif Edling on the subject, visit Vassil Varbanov’s column at Bulgaria's Tangra Mega Rock (in English)
Candlemass Posts New E-card Online
An e-card for the new CANDLEMASS album, "King of the Grey Islands", can be accessed at this location. The e-card features audio samples of all tracks that are set to appear on the CD, which is due on June 22 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Former CANDLEMASS frontman Messiah Marcolin told Blabbermouth.net on May 12, 2007 that "It has come to my attention that someone pretending to be me has written a fake statement on the official CANDLEMASS forum. I have not written the fake statement and I do not agree with the lies in it. The only official statement I have made was on Blabbermouth April 28, 2006. I then told you I have quit CANDLEMASS and that it's 100 percent definite that I will not return. 'We could not agree on how to do the new album.' That statement was as true then as it is now. I will tell you one more thing though. I have never had a 'severe pre-recording psychosis.' That was a lie told by Leif Edling [CANDLEMASS bassist/songwriter]."
"King of the Grey Islands" features Marcolin's replacement, Robert Lowe of SOLITUDE AETURNUS.
Mats Leven Lays Down Vocals For Apocalyptica
Swedish singer Mats Levén (KRUX, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION, CANDLEMASS) has issued the following update:
"Recorded some backing vocals on two songs today with producer Jacob Hellner for the APOCALYPTICA album, sounded good. First time I worked with Jacob, nice guy.More...
Therion Part Ways With Singer Mats Leven
Swedish symphonic metallers THERION have issued the following update:
"From Wacken Open Air and onwards, Mats Levén (KRUX) will no longer be singing with the band. It was a decision taken by the whole band in discussion with Mats. This change of line-up is on friendly terms and the remaining shows before Wacken will be performed with the same energy and passion as if nothing had happened. There are no bad feelings. Therion will continue to develop even further into the direction we set on the last tour and Mats will focus on his new projects.More...
Solitude Aeturnus Reveal DVD Tracklisting
The tracklist of this very first SOLITUDE AETURNUS DVD entitled Hour Of Despair has been revealed and will be comprised of songs filmed and recorded live during their visit in Poland, including songs from their latest album Alone as well as from some of their previous releases (from the classic debut Into the Depths of Sorrow, from Through The Darkest Hour, Downfall, and the cult album Adagio). The DVD will also feature an interview with John Perez and Robert Lowe (also CANDLEMASS) as also Live At On the Rocks, 1992 and Live At Joe's Garage, Fall, 1987 bonus video footage.
Candlemass New Digi To Include Two Bonus Tracks
In this age of Internet piracy, CANDLEMASS has sought a small way to combat the growing problem of someone posting an entire album online, pre-release. The initial digi-pak pressing of King Of The Grey Islands will include two additional songs, not given on promotional copies (a typical source of leaks) and thus not (yet) available on copies downloaded. Comments Leif Edling: "The promos went out last week, and as soon as they did, it was available on the net. It happens to us as it does every band, but we are getting fantastic pre-reviews already!! The journalists seem to love the album. We love the way Robert (Lowe/SOLITUDE AETURNUS) sings on the album. The king is dead, long live the king!!"
Candlemass Reveal New Album Track Listing
Legendary Swedish doomsters CANDLEMASS will release their new album, "King of the Grey Islands", on June 22 through Nuclear Blast Records. The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Prologue
02. Emperor of the Void
03. Devil Seed
04. Of Stars and Smoke
05. Demonia 6
06. Destroyer
07. Man of Shadows
08. Clearsight
09. The Opal City
10. Embracing the Styx More...
Candlemass Plan Anniversary Show w/ First Singer
Swedish doom-metal legends Candlemass will celebrate their 20th year anniversary with a March 31 concert in Stockholm. They'll be joined onstage for the first time ever by their original singer, Johan Lanquist, who left after the recording of their legendary 1986 debut, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus. The show will also mark the debut of the band's new singer, Robert Lowe (also of Solitude Aeturnus), who replaces Messiah Marcolin. Grand Magus will open the evening and Cathedral frontman Lee Dorrian and Witchcraft singer Magnus Pelander will DJ.
Candlemass Announce New Singer
The band comments on their new choice of singer in Robert Lowe of Solitude Aeturnus:
"After months of auditions it is now official who replaces Messiah Marcolin in CANDLEMASS. Robert Lowe, well known for his work with SOLITUDE AETURNUS, is the man who killed all the competition and showed that he beyond doubt is the most capable man for the job. A worthy successor!!
Robert will still be fronting SA, but since there's a whole ocean between the bands, we/CANDLEMASS, feel that this is a great solution that is very beneficial for everybody. The mighty voice from Dallas Texas, is thrown into the fire immediately and is starting the vocal work on the new CANDLEMASS album in a matter of days. CANDLEMASS are sure that the words 'amazing' and 'incredible' will be used to describe the result! CANDLEMASS would also like to thank all the gifted singers who applied for the job. Many talents from all over the world have been heard. We are sure that they will continue to be heard for a long time, but not in CANDLEMASS. The band have finally found the ideal replacement for Messiah Marcolin – Robert Lowe! The new album will KILL!!"
Candlemass Seek New Singer
After the cooperation between the band and singer Messiah Marcolin has come to a complete end now (for an extensive statement, please check www.candlemass.se), CANDLEMASS are searching for a new lead singer now.
The band states: "CANDLEMASS will start to look for a new singer as soon as possible. Watch our website. More info on the matter will come soon. In the meantime, don't try to send us tapes or CDs or links."
CANDLEMASS recorded four new songs with the help of producer Andy Sneap (NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY, MACHINE HEAD) in late February at the Polar Studios. At the time, Leif Edling said of the material, "The songs are pretty much in the same vein as the stuff on the [self-titled 2005] reunion album, maybe a bit darker."
Headline News
Candlemass Frontman Ousted
After months of uncertainty, Candlemass has officially parted ways with frontman Messiah Marcolin. Here's a statement from the band:
"You have heard the rumours and it is with a heavy heart we must make this official. The band have tried to solve the situation several times, but Messiah cannot be persuaded to sing on the new album. His attitude and demands are way too unreasonable. I'm very sorry about this, not surprised though.
We have all been very disappointed with Messiah's behaviour during the previous years reunion, especially with his childish and undemocratic way to "discuss" matters before the May recording at Polar in Stockholm. It's not cool when one person refuses to listen to other people, don't give a shit about his bandmates and demands special treatment. Sure, a little bit of primadonna vices is allowed in a band. But when it comes to the extent that it's "my way or the highway" in every little discussion that comes up, it is not fun anymore. We like the thought of five equal metalheads playing together, having fun in the rehearsalroom, at gigs etc. That's the whole point of it if you ask us. Unfortunately negativity and stupidity have been dictating the rules for Candlemass lately.
We hope you all can understand how disappointed we are. And angry! Disappointed with the fact that a grown man can behave so badly towards others – his friends – and for such a long time. And so easily, when he doesn't get everything he wants, throws it all away. We're still in chock! We never thought it was possible for somebody in this great band to have such a bad attitude towards his bandmates! We are also angry that we have bought the shit for so long. Been fucked over so much, so many times since the reunion 2002. It's really shameful! It only took a couple of gigs to understand that Messiah wasn't back to make friends, so we have fought hard to keep this together for you - our fans. It's been a rough ride, but when you stand in front of 200 or 2000 or even 20 000 screaming fans it's worth all trouble.
And yes, it was close that last album didn't include Messiah, but we made it happen because we love this music and we love that you guys love us!! But it was the last album with Messiah Marcolin on vocals. We can't deal with the big man anymore. Sorry!! We tried to reason with him before the recording of the new one but Messiah's behaviour was beyond the acceptable. Mr. Marcolin has been too much to take and the reasons behind his departure from Candlemass are not very flattering for him. No details, sorry....too embarrassing.
On the positive side (there is one!), this can make the band stronger and lead to something better. We don't stand and fall with Messiah Marcolin. We will look hard for a worthy replacement because we got a superb album recorded already. With the right voice it will kill!! We hope for a new start with Candlemass, a band we love way too much to ditch because of one rotten apple!"
Candlemass Mainman Discusses Krux Project
Lords of Metal e-zine recently conducted an interview with CANDLEMASS / KRUX mainman Leif Edling. A few excerpts from the chat follow:
Lords of Metal: In the interview on the KRUX DVD you were saying that you were pleased by the amount of sales of the KRUX album. I know that the most popular albums of CANDLEMASS sold more than 100,000 units, but I can't believe that KRUX will sell this many albums.
Edling: Oh no! KRUX do maybe a tenth of what a CANDLEMASS record do. But I'm glad what KRUX do. I think somewhere between the ten and twenty thousand. If it was beneath 10,000, I was probably a little disappointed, but now I'm pleased with these sales. Of course you can hope, but you have to be realistic. Remember: KRUX is NOT CANDLEMASS; CANDLEMASS is a very pretentious project that HAS to sell, it HAS to be successful and has to sound in a certain way. KRUX is very spontaneous and not pretentious. It's probably a bit more laid-back and relaxed than CANDLEMASS.
Lords of Metal: What's the input of your new label GMR in all this? The first album of KRUX was released on Mascot.
Edling: GMR is the label that put out all the double disc remasters of the CANDLEMASS back catalogue. They've done a really good job with that and they've got a really good distribution: you can see those records like everywhere. So I'm sure this new KRUX album will be out everywhere in Europe in every shop.
Read the full article at Lords Of Metal.
Messaiah Will Sing On New Candlemass Album
Legendary Swedish doom metallers CANDLEMASS have posted the following message on their official web site:
"In a conversation with the label Nuclear Blast, Messiah Marcolin has agreed to sing on the upcoming CANDLEMASS album. It will happen sometime in September/October. Some contractual stuff has to be sorted out first, but things look very promising at the moment.
Commented bassist/songwriter Leif Edling: "I'm glad to hear it. Whatever problems Messiah has, I'm sure they can be solved for the benefit of the album. It really kills and the fans deserve to hear Messiah on it. Let's just make this a great album. If Messiah wants to do his solo thing after or whatever, then I got no problem with it, but the album is the most important thing right now as I see it. For us, for the label, for the fans!"
Earlier this year CANDLEMASS frontman Messiah Marcolin had stated that he had parted ways with the group and that it's 100 percent definite that he will not return. "We could not agree on how to do the new album," he said, but would not further elaborate on his sudden exit.
In a subsequent posting on CANDLEMASS' web site, the band wrote, "Messiah's got a severe pre-recording psychosis at the moment, so folks, please calm down. The band is confident that he will sing on the [upcoming] album as planned."
The CD - a concept album about the road to ruin in the modern society - is being self-produced and will feature nine or ten tracks.
CANDLEMASS recorded four new songs with the help of producer Andy Sneap (NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY, MACHINE HEAD) in late February at the Polar studios. At the time, Leif Edling said of the material, "The songs are pretty much in the same vein as the stuff on the [self-titled 2005] reunion album, maybe a bit darker."
GMR Music recently announced plans to re-release the CANDLEMASS albums "Chapter VI" (1992) and "Dactylis Glomerata" (1998) as double remastered discs.
"Chapter VI" will include the "Sjunger Sigge Furst" EP as bonus tracks plus a live DVD disc and "Dactylis Glomerata" will contain an entire previously unreleased album. Each reissue will be sold for the price of a normal full-length CD. An early fall release is expected.
Candlemass Comments On Singer Situation
Candlemass mainman, songwriter and bassist Leif Edling has tuned in to enlighten fans of the living Swedish Doom legend a tiny bit regarding the whole Messiah issue:
"It is hotter than hell right now (in Sweden anyway) and most of you doomlovers are on vacation. So are we. And we do get worried questions though about what is going on in the band regarding Messiah and the new album. I can't really say if Messiah will sing on the upcoming album or not, but the last thing I heard was a little bit positive. Let us hope that it becomes 100% certain it will happen. It's all between Messiah and the label now you see. It is summer holiday time don't forget. I hope this issue can be solved soon as we need to carry on the work on the new album. The past months hasn’t exactly been the best time for Candlemass. Myself, Lars, Mappe and Jan are pretty frustrated over the current singer situation, but we will solve it. Somehow. We got a great Candlemass album in the pipeline, we will not waste that! If Messiah sings or not is really up to the man himself now."
The release of the new and yet untitled Candlemass album is tentatively schedule for release on February 2nd, 2007, via Nuclear Blast Records.
More Troubles Within Candlemass
Bassist/songwriter Leif Edling of the legendary Swedish doomsters CANDLEMASS has posted the following message on the band's official web site:
"It is hotter than hell right now (in Sweden anyway) and most of you doom-lovers are on vacation. So are we. And we do get worried questions though about what is going on in the band regarding Messiah [Marcolin, vocals] and the new album.
"I can't really say if Messiah will sing on the upcoming album or not, but the last thing I heard was a little bit positive. Let us hope that it becomes 100% certain it will happen. It's all between Messiah and the label [Nuclear Blast Records] now, you see. It is summer holiday time, don't forget.
"I hope this issue can be solved soon, as we need to carry on the work on the new album.
"The past [few] months haven't exactly been the best time for CANDLEMASS. Myself, Lars, Mappe and Jan are pretty frustrated over the current singer situation, but we will solve it. Somehow. We got a great C-MASS album in the pipeline, we will not waste that! If Messiah sings or not is really up to the man himself now."
Krux To Release Sophomore Album In October
GMR Music has set an October 20 release date for the second album from KRUX, the Swedish band featuring CANDLEMASS mainman/bassist Leif Edling, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN singer Mats Levon, ex-ENTOMBED drummer Peter Stjornvind, guitarist Jorgen Sandstrom (also in THE PROJECT HATE, ex-ENTOMBED / GRAVE), and current ARCH ENEMY guitarist Fredrik Akesson. Entitled "II", the CD was recorded at Studioland studio in Upplands Vosby, Sweden.
KRUX released their self-titled debut album in 2002 via Holland's Mascot Records. A live DVD containing the band's entire performance from May 18, 2003 at Kugelbanan in Stockholm, Sweden, plus a promo video for the track "Black Room" and an interview, was issued in 2003.
New Candlemass Album In The Works
Candlemass have recorded 4 new songs with producer Andy Sneap. The recording took place in the new Polar studios last weekend and the band say that they are very happy with the result.
“The songs are pretty much in the same vein as the stuff on the reunion album, maybe a bit darker” says bassist/songwriter Leif Edling. Next session will be in May. The new Candlemass album is scheduled for a release in october 2006 on Nuclear Blast Records.
On feb 7 Candlemass received a Swedish Grammy award for best hardrock/metal. The band is very proud, and it means that Candlemass finally have got the recognition they deserve in their homecountry of Sweden. It only took 20 years...
Candlemass Secures Swedish Grammy Award
This year's Swedish Grammy awards took place on Tuesday, February 7th. In the category "Best hard rock" the following were nominated:
Candlemass, Candlemass
Hammerfall, Chapter V: Unbent, unbowed, unbroken
Hardcore Superstar, Hardcore Superstar
Meshuggah, Catch thirtythree
Opeth, Ghost reveries
Candlemass were the lucky ones to secure the 2006 award with the following motivation from the jury:
"The pioneers of modern doom metal finally succeeded in reuniting their most classic line-up. The result was an eponymous album of epic proportions."
ex-Candlemass Singer Joins w/ Harmony Guitarist
7 DAYS is the name of a new project formed by guitarist Markus Sigfridsson. Markus has done all the artwork for both DIVINEFIRE albums — "Glory Thy Name" and "Hero" — and many others for Rivel Records. He is also involved in the melodic metal band HARMONY, who have just entered the studio to record the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut album, "Dreaming Awake". Markus also played the guitar solo on the Japanese bonus track "Masquerade" on DIVINEFIRE's "Hero" album. Joining Markus in the 7 DAYS lineup is former CANDLEMASS singer Thomas Vikström, who has previously worked with TALK OF THE TOWN and BRAZEN ABBOT, among others.
Here is the 7 DAYS lineup:
Markus Sigfridsson (HARMONY) – Guitars & keyboards
Thomas Vikström (CANDLEMASS, BRAZEN ABBOT, TALK OF THE TOWN) - Vocals
Daniel Flores (MIND'S EYE) - Drums
Andreas Olsson (DIVINEFIRE) - Bass
Special Guest:
Kaspar Dahlquist (DIONYSOS) - Keyboards