Candlemass Fires Singer Robert Lowe

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Candlemass Fires Vocalist Robert Lowe

posted Jun 2, 2012 at 3:19 PM by OverkillExposure. (23 Comments)

Band Photo: Candlemass (?)

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.

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23 Comments on "Candlemass Fires Singer Robert Lowe"

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1. baphomet413 writes:

Bring messiah marcolin back!!!!

# Jun 2, 2012 @ 4:26 PM ET | IP Logged

2. Vinny the Meatlhead writes:

I agree. Messiah should come back to Candlemass, but apparently that'll never happen.

Now Playing: The Police - Synchronicity II

# Jun 2, 2012 @ 5:42 PM ET | IP Logged

3. Ugh writes:

Yes to Messiah!!! (I know how to reach him, maybe I can find out...)

# Jun 2, 2012 @ 6:04 PM ET | IP Logged

Senior Reviewer

4. Cynic writes:

Mats Leven is AMAZING.

# Jun 2, 2012 @ 10:27 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

5. BrokenFace writes:

Oooohhh sacked for being sh** at your job. Heavy

# Jun 3, 2012 @ 9:58 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

6. Overlord writes:

Wow he's gonna have a tough time finding a new gig, especially when they essentially say "he sucks" on the extremely public announcement that they fired his ass.

# Jun 3, 2012 @ 10:42 AM ET | IP Logged

Writer / Reviewer

7. CROMCarl writes:

Mats Leven is amazing! Agreed Cynic!

# Jun 3, 2012 @ 7:06 PM ET | IP Logged

8. Nasty Hero writes:

I saw them live and I really enjoyed his performance... That was 2 years ago, but is he really bad now?

# Jun 5, 2012 @ 10:38 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

9. Blindgreed1 writes:

I never liked any of Rob Lowe's movies either. Dude's apparently made of failsauce.

# Jun 5, 2012 @ 2:50 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

10. Blindgreed1 writes:

Tough crowd... XD

# Jun 6, 2012 @ 3:00 PM ET | IP Logged

Writer

11. OverkillExposure writes:

^Lol, awww here's an applause for ya BG. (even though I like Rob Lowe)

# Jun 6, 2012 @ 9:50 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

12. Westfallen writes:

Come on...Youngblood? Great movie.

# Jun 6, 2012 @ 10:15 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

13. godlike writes:

I didn't really mind him in St Elmo's Fire.. but after that I haven't really paid much attention to his career.!
It's obvious that his singing isn't much better than his acting abilities tho.?!

# Jun 7, 2012 @ 7:50 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

14. Blindgreed1 writes:

Lol, that's more like it. Sup fvckers?

# Jun 7, 2012 @ 12:16 PM ET | IP Logged

15. WestMink writes:

No should have ever replaced Messiah. He was Candlemass.

# Jun 8, 2012 @ 1:49 PM ET | IP Logged

Writer / Reviewer

16. CROMCarl writes:

I don't know West....Johan Längquist was pre-Messiah and sung on arguably the best epic doom album ever made, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus. His version of "Solitude" was legendary. As for who "is Candlemass," Leif Edling IS Candlemass.

Now, as for BG's comments....hysterically funny my brother, you know I love ya. However, no disgracing the name of Mr. Lowe the singer despite his "poor live performances." He is a great singer and a stand up guy!

# Jun 9, 2012 @ 1:10 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

17. hellrat writes:

^His considerable vocal merit aside, Rob Lowe's far and away greatest film role was as Paul in Tommy Boy...and the best scene is when he backhands that nanny booboo kid through the bus window :)

As far as the portly messiah goes, I don't think the rest them guys will ever have anything to do with him again...he's apparently as big a diva as haggy ol' Whitney was

# Jun 9, 2012 @ 12:45 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

18. oneant56 writes:

he was good as #2 in Austin Powers

# Jun 10, 2012 @ 8:22 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

19. Blindgreed1 writes:

I'm old school Carl, if you can't bring it live with some consistancy, you can't bring it.

# Jun 11, 2012 @ 12:30 PM ET | IP Logged

20. DoomMistress writes:

Rob Lowe was okay for Solitude, however I never liked him for Candlemass. Messiah is/was the only Candlemass.

# Jun 11, 2012 @ 1:54 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

21. hellrat writes:

@19 ^indeed, indeed, brother Windwalker ;)

Of course everyone has their sh!t nights, but I don't put much stock in guys that can't deliver live consistently....I don't care how nice such fellows sound on record with all the nifty studio 'assistance' to make their croaking, eh, tolerable.

oh, and I forgot to mention, I like Broken's exceedingly dry comment....a lot. :) Excellent style \m/

# Jun 11, 2012 @ 2:04 PM ET | IP Logged

22. Doomed writes:

As a vocalist on album and Live, Rob takes no back seat to anyone. Yes I prefer messiah, actually even over him Johan was my favorite. Though I have met Rob a few times seen him perform with Solitude several times when I lived in DFW area for a stint. And have seen him in 08' with Candlemass, The guy can pull off everything live he does on recording! And as for the reason for his dismisal ?? Seems a bit vague to me. Nevertheless He still has Solitude Aeturnus, and he I'm sure will be just fine.

# Jun 11, 2012 @ 8:32 PM ET | IP Logged

23. Dirt Rat writes:

Grey Islands was awesome but I never thought Lowe was a proper fit for CM. Epicus changed everything forever so I am partial to Johan... although Nightfall and the 2005 self titled both ruled.

# Jun 12, 2012 @ 8:30 PM ET | IP Logged

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