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 141 - 160 of 166 1 2 ... 6 7 8 9 Last
Meshuggah Nominated For Swedish Grammy
Sweden's math metal alchemists, Meshuggah has been nominated for a Grammy in their home country. Nuclear Blast Records issued the following statement:
Among the comforts of label mates Candlemass and Hammerfall, Meshuggah are nominated for the Swedish Grammy for Best Rock album. "Catch Thirty-Three," which hit streets on May 31st, 2005 here in the United States has been praised continually for pushing the envelope yet againand only as Meshuggah does best!
No matter how intense, complex and obscure, Swedish experimentalists Meshuggah (translates in Yiddish to crazy) continue to receive increasing worldwide respect with every distinctive release. Since their formation in 1987, this outlandish unit have been declared as one of the ten most important hard and heavy bands by Rolling Stone, the most important band in metal by Alternative Press, one of the top 100 metal bands by Hit Parader and co-headlined the second stage at the world famous Ozzfest.
With all the mania Meshuggah have driven upon their minions, the relentless and hypnotic "Catch Thirty Three," drove the world to recognize the true musical talent these Swedes contain.
Best Rock:
Candlemass - Candlemass
Hammerfall - Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken
Hardcore Superstar - Hardcore Superstar
Meshuggah - Catch Thirty-Three
Opeth - Ghost Reveries
Close-Up Magazine Announce Top Albums Of The Year
A total of 30 metal, rock and punk writers at Sweden's Close–Up magazine have voted in the magazine's annual critics' album-of-the-year poll. The final results were as follows:
01. SYSTEM OF A DOWN – "Mezmerize"
02. OPETH – "Ghost Reveries"
03. NINE INCH NAILS – "With Teeth"
04. THE MARS VOLTA – "Frances the Mute"
05. MUNICIPAL WASTE – "Hazardous Mutation"
06. TURBONEGRO – "Party Animals"
07. NILE – "Annihilation of the Wicked"
08. HELLACOPTERS – "Rock & Roll Is Dead"
09. NEVERMORE – "This Godless Endeavor"
10. BLINDSIDE – "The Great Depression"
11. CANDLEMASS – "Candlemass"
12. DARK FUNERAL – "Attera Totus Sanctus"
13. QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – "Lullabies to Paralyze"
14. ANNIHILATION TIME – "II"
15. BIG BUSINESS – "Head for the Shallow"
16. STATIC–X – "Start a War"
17. CROWBAR – "Lifesblood for the Downtrodden"
18. HYPOCRISY – "Virus"
19. PORCUPINE TREE – "Deadwing"
20. DOZER – "Through the Eyes of Heathens"
For more information on Close-Up, visit www.closeupmagazine.net.
Candlemass Bassist Checks In From The Road
CANDLEMASS mainman/bassist Leif Edling has posted the following message on the band's official web site:
"We still live and breathe after a week on the road [with German thrashers DESTRUCTION]. It's been good and a bit bad too.
"The bad things first: Had to cancel two shows: Oslo (Norway) and Oulu (Finland). Oslo because of shitty ticket sales. The presale was 250 tickets 5 days before [the gig] at a place that holds 1,800. So maybe the advance could have been 300 in the end and 500 people would [have] attend[ed] in all. Not too bad, but at the Centrum it would be [bad], because of the size of the place. And Rockefeller, the main (and great club) 500 people would be totally cool, but it was booked for something else that day. We always get good crowds in Oslo, and we love to play there so this was very disappointing. More...
Candlelight To Release Candlemass Catalogue
Candlelight Records today confirms the US license for six back catalog titles from Swedish doom legends Candlemass. Set for release in February, the titles include four currently unavailable albums, a live record and the band's cd/dvd collection.
"Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" stands as one of doom metal's true milestone recordings. Originally released in 1986, the record has been completely remastered and will include a live bonus disc circa 1988 clocking in at over 51 minutes. In stores February 7, Stonerrock says "it defined a genre and still remains a well-loved and esential metal album more than sixteen frigging years after it came out."
"Ancient Dreams," also remastered and featuring live bonus material, saw original release in 1988 and was the second album to feature vocalist Messiah Marcolin. Album opener "Mirror Mirror" with "Darkness in Paradise" and "The Bells of Acheron," now all fan favorites, further extended the band's genius epic signature. In stores February 7, All Music Guide calls the album "compelling."
"Doomed for Live" features seventeen songs recorded during the band's 2001 reunion tour (that further led to their current reunion). The hugely successful European run celebrated the band's legendary status. The record also hits stores February 7.
"Nightfall," the band's brilliant second album, introduced Marcolin to the world and today continues to be one of the band's most popular records. Originally released 1987, it has been remastered and features a bonus disc including rare demo plus studio and additional live footage previously unavailable. In stores February 21, an interview with the band as well video for "Bewitched" has also been added.
The conceptual album "Tales of Creation" found original release in 1989. Including "The Edge of Heaven" that Doom-metal.com calls "one of Candlemass' best songs ever," the reissue features more rarere demo material as well video for "Dark Reflections." Also in stores February 21, the album with the cd/dvd Essential Doom (featuring nearly 20 Candlemass classics!) nearly complete Candlemass' respected and prolific recording career.
Formed in 1985, All Music Guide says, "Candlemass helped reintroduce the lumbering power chords of Black Sabbath to an entire generation of post-New Wave of British Heavy Metal and post-thrash metalheads, almost single-handedly writing the handbook for the modern doom metal movement in the process." The band's latest album, simply titled "Candlemass," was released earlier this year via Nuclear Blast.
More Destruction, Candlemass Tour Dates Announced
More dates have been announced for the upcoming "Hellhoundz Of Doom And Thrash" tour with double headliners Destruction and Candlemass. Tour dates are as follows:
With Deathchain and After All:
Nov. 08 Patteln, CH - Z7 (date changed)
Nov. 09 Ludwigburg, D - Rockfabrik (new date)
Nov. 10 Bochum, D - Zeche
Nov. 11 Aschaffenburg, D - Colos-Saal
Nov. 12 Berlin, D - Hof 23
Nov. 14 Helsinki, FIN - Nosturi
Nov. 15 Oulu, FIN - Teatria
Nov. 17 Oslo, N - Sentrum Scene
Nov. 18 Trondheim, F - Rosendal Scene
Nov. 19 Göteborg, S - Kren
Nov. 20 Malmö, S - KB
Nov. 21 Osnabrück, D - N8
Nov. 23 Antwerp, B - Hof Ter Lo
With Deathchain and Perzonal War: More...
Destruction, Candlemass European Tour Announced
Destruction have announced a European tour with Candlemass. Here are the first confirmed dates:
10.11.05 Thu D Bochum @ Zeche
11.11.05 Fri D Münster-Breitefeld @Live Arena
12.11.05 Sat D Berlin @ Hof 23
14.11.05 Mon FIN Helsinki @ Nosturi
15.11.05 Tue FIN Oulu @ Teatria
17.11.05 Thu N Oslo @ Sentrum Scene
18.11.05 Fri N Trondheim @ Rosendal Scene
19.11.05 Sat S TBC
20.11.05 Sun S Malmö @ KB
21.11.05 Mon D Osnabrück @ N8
23.11.05 Wed B Antwerp Hof Ter Lo
24.11.05 Thu GB London @ Electric Ballroom
26.11.05 Sat NL Arnheim @ Metal Meeting
27.11.05 Sun D Ingolstadt @ Tonspur Unsernherrn (*** without CANDLEMASS !!!)
28.11.05 Mon I Milan @ Rainbow
29.11.05 Tue I Treviso @ New Age
30.11.05 Wed I Rome @ Alpheus
02.12.05 Fri GR Athen
03.12.05 Sat GR Thessaloniki
04.12.05 Sun TRK Istanbul @ Yeni Melek Gosteri Merkezi
05.12.05 Mon RUM Bukarest @ Polivalent Hall
06.12.05 Tue SRB Belgrade @ SKC (Studentski Kulturni Centar)
07.12.05 Wed KRO Zagreb @ Mochvara
Candlemass Call Off Tour With Cathedral
The proposed European tour featuring reformed Swedish doom metal legends Candlemass alongside Cathedral and Grand Magus has been officially called off. "Unfortunately, it was rather clear we couldn't get the finances together so we had to say no to that one. Bummer!" stated Candlemass bassist Leif Edling. Read Edling's latest tour report, featuring entries on the band's recent appearances at the Göteborgskalaset and Wacken Open Air festivals, at Candlemass.se.
Candlemass Posts Report On Bang Your Head Fest
Candlemass bassist/main songwriter Leif Edling has posted a report from the band's recent appearance at the Bang Your Head festival in Balingen, Germany on their official website:
Came to Stuttgart on the Friday. Unfortunately without my bass. Still in Amsterdam.......Great!!! KLM promised to deliver it to the hotel later the same evening so there was nothing to do. We drove to the hotel in Schönstadt, bassless, but with sill, schnaps, meatballs and salmon in the luggage. Midsummer must be celebrated!!More...
Messiahs father and mother joined us (they live in Salzburg) and we had a really nice evening on the hotel patio with great food and funny hats! Later we got to the festival to see Motörhead and Saxon. Must admit we had a rendez-vous with the bar instead.
Candlemass Crack Swedish Top Ten
Candlesmass' brand-new self-titled album has entered the Swedish national album chart at position No. 7. The CD also came in at No. 5 on the Sweden chart (featuring only Swedish artists) and at No. 1 on the Hard Rock/Metal chart.
In Germany, "Candlemass" reached #96 – the first time, the band ever entered the Top 100 there. Quite impressive for a doom band, huh?
Candlemass Impress European Metal Mags Big Time
This reunion will go down in Doom Metal history: The new album by reactivated legends Candlemass won "Album Of The Month" at several big metal magazines in Europe.
The album - simply titled "Candlemass" - reached #1 at the monthly polls of
Metal Hammer/Germany
Rock Hard/Germany
Heavy, Oder Was?!/Germany
Sweden Rock Magazine/Sweden
Metal Heart/Germany
Rock Hard/France
Hard Rock/France (one of several 'Albums Of The Month')
Metal Hammer/Hungary
Metal Hammer/Greece
and #2 in Aardschok / Holland
Candlemass will be featured on the covers of:
Metal Heart/Germany
Heavy Oder Was!?/Germany
Legacy/Germany
Scream/Norway
Metal Hammer/Italy
Hell Awaits/Spain
Zero Tolerance/ England
Watch out for "Candlemass" on May 2.
Upcoming Candlemass shows:
June 5 Iron Fest Tradate/Milan (Italy)
June 11 Sweden Rock Festival Sölvesborg (Swe)
June 24/25 Bang Your Head Balingen (Germany)
Aug 04 Wacken Festival (Germany)
Aug 26 Gorbunova Moscow (Russia)
Video Interview With Candlemass Available Online
Nuclear Blast reports that France's VS-Webzine.com has uploaded a video interview with CANDLEMASS' singer Messiah Marcolin.
In the interview, Messiah talks about the group's reunion, their upcoming album and their new contract with Nuclear Blast. To download the video, go to this location.
Due on May 2nd via Nuclear Blast Records, Candlemass' new album, simply entitled Candlemass, was recorded in part at Polar Studios in Stockholm, Sweden and is said to be musically similar to the group's classic Tales Of Creation and Nightfall albums. Click here to see the artwork for the new album.
Candlemass Prepare New Album
Candlemass have announced plans to release a new album with Nuclear Blast Records on May 2nd. Here's a statement from the band:
"Time to tell you some more happy news after the fantastic revelation that Candlemass are back in the studio after all these years. After some time of negotiations it is Nuclear Blast that will release the new album this spring... Nuclear Blast is of course a major player on the metal market and a company that can take Candlemass even further up the ladder to mega stardom!!"
Candlemass Confirmed For Wacken Open Air
Reunited Swedish doom legends Candlessmass have been confirmed for the 2005 edition of Germany's Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 4-6 in Wacken.
The complete list of bands currently scheduled to appear at the festival is as follows: More...
Candlemass Recordings Almost Complete
The recordings for the self-titled album by reunited Swedish doom legends Candlemass are almost finished, as main-man Leif Edling recently announced. "Messiah Marcolin just finished his vocal tracks, and I'm working with some keyboards right now." The mixing process was started Jan. 28th.
Recordings took place in Stockholm's famous Polar studios, which have been used by the likes of ABBA, Genesis and Led Zeppelin. Songtitles set to appear on the new CD — which is said to return stylistically to the group's classics "Tales of Creation" and "Nightfall" — include 'Black Dwarf', 'Witches' and 'Spellbreaker'.
Candlemass To Play Inferno Festival
Doom veterans Candlemass are part of the bill at this year's Inferno Festival, set to be held March 24-26 at the Rockefeller and John Dee venues in Oslo. Candlemass will play the "Rockefeller" venue on Friday, March 25 as the headliner.
Dream Theater Confirmed For Sweden Rock Festival
Sweden Rock Festival will take place on June 9 to 11, 2005 in Sölvesborg, Sweden. The progressive metal band Dream Theater have just been confirmed for the festival. Other confirmed band are as follows:
Swedish bands: Morgana Lefay, Satanic Slauter, Symphorce, Crystal Eyes, Yngwie Malmsteen, Candlemass, Hammerfall, Therion, Hellfueled, Statetrooper, A.C.T, Thryfing
Foreign bands: Mötley Crüe (US), Accept (D), DIO (UK), Saxon (UK), Kansas (US), Styx (US), Blackfoot (US), Magnum (UK), Sebastian Bach (US), Helix (CAN), Vixen (US), Sonata Arctica (FIN), Robin Trower (US), Nazareth (UK), Shakra (CH), Force Of Evil (DK)
Candlemass Sign With Nuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast is very proud to announce that the Swedish doomsquad Candlemass, featuring Leif Edling and Messia Marcolin, have signed a new deal with the label.
After their heroic return to several summer festivals in 2003, the band is more alive than ever. Although several rumours were spread about a split up, Candlemass were in fact working on a new piece of doom.
The new album will be released on May 2nd and marks a return towards the sound of such classic as “Nightfall” and “Tales of Creation.” It's name will just be "Candlemass."
Morgana Lefay Confirmed For Bang Your Head 2005
Swedish metallers MORGANA LEFAY are the latest addition to the 2005 edition of the Bang Your Head festival (the 10th Anniversary edition) which is set to take place on June 24th and 25th in Balingen, Germany. Tickets are available at the ticket-hotline (+49-74 57-9 13 93) and via the homepage. Pre-sale cost of the tickets is 59 Euros (plus shipping). Organizers have "limited" tickets to 20, 000, to keep the one-stage event relaxed and somewhat intimate. More information can be found at Bang-Your-Head.de.
Acts currently confirmed for the festival now include:
More...
Candlemass Issue Studio Report
CANDLEMASS have posted the following studio report:
"Hello again fans of Doom!!
Things are now happening fast in the C-mass camp! Messiah, Leif, Lars, Jan and Mappe are in the studio right now to record a motherfucker of a record, the first one in 15 years!! Last time the classic line-up was in the studio together was for the "Tales of Creation" album, and from what I have heard so far, this one will be even better. This is classic Candlemass doing what they do best: Epic, Doom, Metal!!!
If you are curious how it goes....check out the studio report with Leifs personal notes and pictures. You find it on the main page."
Big Names Confirmed For Bang Your Head Festival
Twisted Sister, Dio, Saxon and the re-united Candlemass are all booked to appear at next year's Bang Your Head festival, which happens at Balingen, Germany on 24/25. Also on the bill for the tenth anniversary of the festival are Doro, Sebastian Bach, Nevermore, Krokus, Gamma Ray, Axel Rudi Pell and Amon Amarth.