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Candlemass (band)

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Candlemass is a Swedish epic doom metal band formed in Upplands Väsby, a suburb of Stockholm, in 1984 by bassist, songwriter, and bandleader Leif Edling, alongside drummer Matz Ekström. The band has had a defining influence on doom metal, with the epic doom genre itself taking its name from their debut album Epicus Doomicus Metallicus.[2] Along with Pentagram, Saint Vitus, and Trouble, Candlemass has been recognized as one of the "big four of doom metal".[3][4][5][6]

Candlemass
Candlemass performing in 2024
Candlemass performing in 2024
Background information
Also known asNemesis (1982–1984)
OriginStockholm, Sweden
GenresEpic doom metal[1]
Years active
  • 1984–1994
  • 1997–2002
  • 2004–present
Labels
Members
  • Leif Edling
  • Mats Björkman
  • Lars Johansson
  • Jan Lindh
  • Johan Längqvist
Past members
Websitecandlemass.se

After releasing five full-length albums and extensively touring throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Candlemass disbanded in 1994 but reunited three years later. Following another breakup in 2002, the band reformed in 2004 and has continued to record and perform ever since.

History

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Debut with Johan Längqvist and the classic Messiah Marcolin era (1984–1990)

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After the breakup of his first band, Nemesis, bassist Leif Edling formed Candlemass, recruiting session vocalist Johan Längqvist, drummer Matz Ekström, guitarist Mats "Mappe" Björkman, and Klas Bergwall.[7] Their debut release, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus (1986),[7] quickly established their reputation, securing their place within metal circles and marking a milestone in the doom metal scene.[8] After the release of their debut album, Längqvist was replaced by Messiah Marcolin.[7] By the time the band entered the studio to record their second album, Nightfall, in 1987, Bergwall and Ekström had left the group. Jan Lindh joined as the new drummer, and Lars Johansson was added on guitars following the completion of the album.[7]

Candlemass followed up with Ancient Dreams (1988) and Tales of Creation (1989).[7] In 1990, they released the live album Live.[7] Shortly afterward, internal disputes led to Messiah Marcolin's departure from the band in 1991.[7]

Vikström/Flodqvist albums, hiatus, and first reunion with Marcolin (1991–2003)

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After Marcolin's departure, Candlemass recruited vocalist Thomas Vikström and recorded Chapter VI (1992).[7] The band toured to support the album, but by 1994, Candlemass had disbanded, partly due to the commercial failure of Chapter VI,[citation needed] and partly because Edling had formed a new project, Abstrakt Algebra.[7] After Abstrakt Algebra failed to gain traction, Edling recruited a new lineup under the Candlemass name and recorded the album Dactylis Glomerata,[7] which was a blend of material intended for a new Abstrakt Algebra album and new Candlemass songs.[citation needed] A year later, the album From the 13th Sun was released, both albums featuring vocalist Björn Flodqvist.

In 2002, a previous Candlemass lineup reunited and performed several well-received live shows,[citation needed] releasing another live album. Additionally, remastered versions of Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, Nightfall, Ancient Dreams, and Tales of Creation were issued, alongside a DVD titled Documents of Doom. The band began working on new material and recorded some songs while seeking a record label. However, internal differences resurfaced, leading to Candlemass disbanding again. In the interim, Leif Edling launched a new project, Krux, featuring former Abstrakt Algebra vocalist Mats Levén and two members of Entombed.

Second Marcolin reunion (2004–2006)

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Messiah and Leif at Wacken Open Air 2005

In November 2004, the band announced their second reunion. They recorded a new album, simply titled Candlemass, with the same lineup, and it was released in May 2005. The album earned them a Swedish Grammy that year.

In 2006, the band revealed plans for a new album, slated for release in 2007. However, in October 2006, after ongoing uncertainty surrounding Messiah Marcolin's involvement, it was confirmed that he had left the band for good.

Robert Lowe era (2007–2012)

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Candlemass found a new vocalist, Robert Lowe (Solitude Aeturnus),[9][10] who recorded with the band on their ninth album, King of the Grey Islands, released on 22 June 2007. The album was self-produced, except for four songs produced by Andy Sneap.[11]

In March 2008, Mats "Mappe" Björkman was sentenced to two years in prison for grand theft, having been convicted of stealing over 35,000 CDs and DVDs worth approximately 3 million SEK (around $500,000).[12][13]

Candlemass worked on their tenth studio album in 2008, initially titled Hammer of Doom. However, they later renamed it Death Magic Doom to avoid conflict with a German festival of the same name.[14] The album was originally scheduled for release on 27 March 2009 but was delayed until 3 April 2009.[15] The band signed with the Austrian label Napalm Records in 2011, who released their eleventh studio album, Psalms for the Dead, in June 2012.[16][17] Despite this, bassist Leif Edling stated that the band would not split up, but wanted to stop before they "get too old and start putting out half-lame albums."[18]

Mats Levén era (2012–2018)

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Candlemass at Party.San 2017

On 2 June 2012, Candlemass announced via their website that Robert Lowe had left the band as vocalist, primarily due to concerns over the quality of live performances. The band described this as "a very difficult decision." Lowe was replaced for the band's upcoming shows by longtime friend and collaborator Mats Levén, known for his work with Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion, Treat, and At Vance among others. Levén had previously worked with Leif Edling in Abstrakt Algebra and Krux and had contributed vocals on demos for the Candlemass and King of the Grey Islands sessions, which are included in the box set Doomology. Additionally, keyboardist Per Wiberg (formerly of Opeth and Spiritual Beggars) joined the band on stage for these live performances.[19]

In January 2013, Candlemass was voted the greatest Swedish hard rock/metal band of all time by the writers of Sweden Rock Magazine. They were featured in a list of the 100 greatest Swedish hard rock/metal bands of all time in a jubilee edition celebrating the magazine's 100th issue. It was also revealed that Candlemass, along with death metal band Entombed (ranked No. 2 on the list), would perform together at a special jubilee concert in Stockholm, arranged by the magazine.[20][21]

Despite earlier claims that Psalms for the Dead would be their final album, bassist Leif Edling later indicated that he was open to recording new music with Candlemass.[22] To coincide with the 30th anniversary of Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, Candlemass released the EP Death Thy Lover on 3 June 2016.[23] Additionally, on 29 April 2016, the band released a career-spanning coffee-table book.[24] The book also included two CDs featuring top picks by Leif Edling and Messiah Marcolin, a CD with rare tracks from their early career (including the Witchcraft demo), and two DVDs with three live performances.[25]

Reunion with Johan Längqvist (2018–present)

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On 3 September 2018, Candlemass announced the return of Längqvist to the band after a 32-year hiatus. The band stated, "We wanted to find our way back to the roots of Candlemass, back to the soul and essence of the band. Johan Längqvist is back, and we hope this will give us some new energy and kickstart the heart of doom again. We don't know if it will last 10 more years or even 5, but if it will give us just another year of having fun and playing the music that we love so much, it will be a blast! The circle is closed; Johan is back!" The band also announced that they were recording a new album for a 2019 release, making it not only the first Candlemass studio album since 2012's Psalms for the Dead, but their first with Längqvist since 1986's Epicus Doomicus Metallicus.[26][27]

On 6 December 2018, Candlemass announced that their twelfth album would be titled The Door to Doom and would be released on 22 February 2019. It was also revealed that the album would feature a guest appearance by Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi, who contributes a guitar solo to one of the album's tracks, "Astorolus – The Great Octopus".[28] The band released an EP, The Pendulum, on 27 March 2020.[29] Shortly after its release, Leif Edling said that Candlemass was unlikely to release their next studio album until 2022 or 2023.[30]

On 18 August 2022, the band announced their thirteenth studio album, Sweet Evil Sun, and the album's first single, "Scandinavian Gods", was released on the same day. The album was released on 18 November.[31]

Candlemass is expected to release a new EP, titled Black Star, in May 2025.[32]

Style and influences

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Candlemass is considered a doom metal band with a sound described as exhibiting "dirge-like, sustain-laden guitar riffing".[33][34] Candlemass' musical style is significantly influenced by early Black Sabbath. Edling, the band's main songwriter and sole constant member, has drawn inspiration from Black Sabbath, as well as from bands such as Blue Öyster Cult, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, Bachman–Turner Overdrive, Rush, Nazareth, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Venom.[35]

Legacy

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Candlemass are considered pioneers of the doom metal subgenre of heavy metal, and the group's 1986 debut album Epicus Doomicus Metallicus played a part in coining the genre's name. Eduardo Rivadavia of AllMusic said 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."[36]

Band members

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Main article: List of Candlemass members

Current members

  • Leif Edling – bass (1984–1993, 1997–present), vocals (1984–1986)
  • Mats "Mappe" Björkman – rhythm guitar (1984–1993, 2001–present)
  • Johan Längqvist – vocals (1986, 2018–present; live guest 2010, 2011)
  • Lars Johansson – lead guitar (1986–1993, 2001–present)
  • Jan Lindh – drums (1986–1993, 2001–present)

Discography

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References

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  1. ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Candlemass". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 15 June 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2012.
  2. ^ Ludwig, Jamie (18 April 2022). "Swedish doom-metal pioneers Candlemass celebrate their epic sounds in Chicago". Chicago Reader. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  3. ^ "Petition For Doom 'Big Four' Tour Circulating". Metalunderground.com. Archived from the original on 26 May 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  4. ^ Kamiński, Karol (11 May 2012). ""The Big 4 of Doom Metal" tour in the works?". Idioteq.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  5. ^ "The 10 Best Doom Metal Bands of All-Time". chaospin.com. 28 May 2021. Archived from the original on 28 May 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  6. ^ "Eric Wagner, Lead Singer Of Doom Metal Legends Trouble, Has Died From Covid-19". Houston Press. 24 August 2021. Archived from the original on 24 August 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Colin Larkin, ed. (1999). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock (First ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 89/90. ISBN 0-7535-0257-7.
  8. ^ allmusic ((( Candlemass > Biography )))
  9. ^ "Candlemass Taps Solitude Aeturnus Singer To Replace Messiah Marcolin". Blabbermouth.net. 22 January 2007. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  10. ^ "Solitude Aeturnus Guitarist Comments On Singer Joining Candlemass". Blabbermouth.net. 22 January 2007. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  11. ^ "Candlemass: 'Metal, Doom and Garlic'". Blabbermouth.net. 18 October 2006. Archived from the original on 30 September 2015. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  12. ^ "Känd svensk gitarrist fick fängelse". Realtid.se. 20 March 2008. Archived from the original on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
  13. ^ "Musiker dömd till fängelse | Nöjesbladet | Aftonbladet". Aftonbladet.se. Archived from the original on 21 March 2008. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
  14. ^ "Candlemass new album finally mixed! « Candlemass". 23 March 2009. Archived from the original on 23 March 2009. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  15. ^ "Candlemass – New Album Details – Metal Storm". Metalstorm.ee. Archived from the original on 1 November 2009. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
  16. ^ "Candlemass Signs With Napalm Records For Farewell Album". Blabbermouth.net. 14 October 2011. Archived from the original on 29 September 2015. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  17. ^ "Candlemass: New Album Title, Cover Artwork Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 16 March 2012. Archived from the original on 19 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  18. ^ "Candlemass Leader: 'We're Not Splitting Up'". Blabbermouth.net. 24 February 2012. Archived from the original on 19 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  19. ^ "CANDLEMASS SINGER CHANGE!". Candlemass.se. 2 June 2012. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  20. ^ "Sveriges 100 bästa band". Swedenrock.com (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
  21. ^ "Sweden Rock Festival 3-6 June 2015". Swedenrock.com (in Swedish). 6 June 2015. Archived from the original on 4 December 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
  22. ^ "Avatarium – Behold the Dark...In Paradise". Deadrhetoric.com. 1 December 2013. Archived from the original on 5 December 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  23. ^ "Candlemass – Death Thy Lover". Candlemass.se. 26 February 2016. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  24. ^ a b "Candlemass – Behind the Wall of Doom". Candlemass.se. 29 February 2016. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  25. ^ "Peaceville, Candlemass, Behind the Wall of Doom". Burningshed.com. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  26. ^ "CANDLEMASS Parts Way With Singer MATS LEVÉN, Announces Return Of JOHAN LÄNGQVIST". Blabbermouth.net. 3 September 2018. Archived from the original on 4 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  27. ^ "Here is Video Of CANDLEMASS Rehearsing 'Solitude' With Newly Returned Singer JOHAN LÄNGQVIST". Blabbermouth.net. 4 September 2018. Archived from the original on 5 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  28. ^ "BLACK SABBATH's TONY IOMMI To Guest On New CANDLEMASS Album, 'The Door To Doom'". Blabbermouth.net. 6 December 2018. Archived from the original on 6 December 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
  29. ^ "CANDLEMASS To Release 'The Pendulum' EP In March". Blabbermouth.net. 31 January 2020. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  30. ^ "Leif Edling from Candlemass". Echoesanddust.com. 29 April 2020. Archived from the original on 18 May 2020. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  31. ^ "CANDLEMASS Announces 'Sweet Evil Sun' Album, Shares 'Scandinavian Gods' Music Video". Blabbermouth.net. 18 August 2022. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  32. ^ "CANDLEMASS To Release 'Black Star' EP In May 2025". Blabbermouth.net. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  33. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/artist/candlemass-mn0000648407#biography
  34. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/artist/candlemass-mn0000648407#biography
  35. ^ "CANDLEMASS – Don't Fear The Reaper 12"". Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  36. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/artist/candlemass-mn0000648407#biography
  37. ^ "Discographie Candlemass". GfK Entertainment. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  38. ^ "Sverigetopplistan – Sveriges Officiella Topplista". Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on 20 May 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2019. Click on "Veckans albumlista".
  39. ^ "Veckolista Album, vecka 47". Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on 25 November 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  40. ^ "Candlemass: 'Ashes To Ashes Live' DVD To Receive U.S. Release In June". Blabbermouth.net. 18 March 2010. Archived from the original on 24 October 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
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