Candlemass (band)
Candlemass is a Swedish epic doom metal band established in Upplands Väsby, a suburb of Stockholm in 1984 by bassist, songwriter and bandleader Leif Edling and drummer Matz Ekström. The band had a defining influence on doom metal, and the epic doom genre itself is named after their debut album Epicus Doomicus Metallicus.[2] Along with Pentagram, Saint Vitus and Trouble, Candlemass has been referred to as one of the "big four of doom metal".[3][4][5][6]
Candlemass
Nemesis (1982–1984)
Stockholm, Sweden
- 1984–1994
- 1997–2002
- 2004–present
Leif Edling
Mats Björkman
Lars Johansson
Jan Lindh
Johan Längqvist
Klas Bergwall
Matz Ekström
Messiah Marcolin
Thomas Vikström
Björn Flodkvist
Jejo Perkovic
Michael Amott
Carl Westholm
Mats Ståhl
Robert Lowe
Mats Levén
After releasing five full-length albums and touring extensively throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Candlemass disbanded in 1994, but reunited three years later. After breaking up again in 2002, Candlemass reformed in 2004 and have continued to record and perform since then.
History[edit]
Debut with Johan Längqvist and the classic Messiah Marcolin era (1984–1990)[edit]
After the breakup of his first band Nemesis, bassist Leif Edling started his own band under the name Candlemass with (session) vocalist Johan Längqvist, drummer Matz Ekström, guitarist Mats "Mappe" Björkman and Klas Bergwall.[7] Their first release, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus (1986),[7] immediately secured their standing, positioning the band within metal circles, setting a milestone in the doom metal scene.[8] Following the band's debut album Längqvist was replaced by Messiah Marcolin.[7] By the time the band entered the studio to record their second effort, Nightfall, in 1987, Bergwall and Ekström had left the band. Jan Lindh joined the band on drums, and Lars Johansson joined the band on guitars following the completion of the album.[7]
Candlemass's next two albums were Ancient Dreams (1988) and Tales of Creation (1989).[7] In 1990, the band released a live album Live.[7] Shortly afterward, a dispute between the band members resulted in Messiah Marcolin's departure in 1991.[7]
Vikstrom/Flodqvist albums, hiatus and first reunion with Marcolin (1991–2003)[edit]
After Marcolin left, Candlemass recruited vocalist Thomas Vikström and recorded Chapter VI (1992).[7] The band then toured in support of that album. By 1994, Candlemass had called it quits, partly because Chapter VI was unsuccessful, and partially because Edling had formed another project under the name of Abstrakt Algebra.[7] With Abstrakt Algebra not doing well, Leif suddenly recruited a new line-up under the name of Candlemass and recorded the album Dactylis Glomerata,[7] which was a combination of songs for a new Abstrakt Algebra CD and some new material. A year later the album From the 13th Sun was released. Both albums featured singer Bjorn Flodqvist.
In 2002, the members of a past Candlemass line-up reunited. 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 was released as well. The band was working on a new album and recorded some new songs while searching for a record label when differences arose again, resulting in Candlemass disbanding a second time. In the meantime, Leif Edling started a new project, Krux, with former Abstrakt Algebra singer Mats Levén and two members of Entombed.
Influences[edit]
Candlemass' musical style is markedly influenced by early Black Sabbath. Edling, the band's main songwriter and sole constant member, has been influenced by Black Sabbath, as well as bands like Blue Öyster Cult, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, Bachman–Turner Overdrive, Rush, Nazareth, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Judas Priest, Motörhead and Venom.[34]
Current members