Doom Foundations:
Candlemass was formed in 1983 by bassist Leif Edling after his prior act, Nemesis disbanded. The band’s first album was 1986’s Epicus Doomicus Metalicus and featured singer Johan Langqvist who never appeared live with the band. Candlemass would soon solidify their lineup with the addition of singer Messiah Marcolin and lead guitarist Lars Johansson, and drummer Jan Lindh. The lineup (also featuring longtime rhythm guitarist Mats Bjorkman) would go onto to release what many feel is its definitive album, 1987’s Nightfall.
Doom Throughout The '80s:
Subsequent albums 1988’s Ancient Dreams and 1989’s Tales of Creation would see Candlemass further their doom metal sound. Both albums garnered the band international recognition thanks to crowd favorites like “Mirror Mirror,” “Dark Reflections” and “Under the Oak.”
The Turbulent '90s:
Candlemass started the 90’s by a releasing a live album via Metal Blade, but soon lost Marcolin thanks to the internal strife. He was replaced by Thomas Vikstrom for the poorly-received Chapter VI album. Shortly there afterwards, Edling disbanded the group and formed Abstract Algebra.
Edling would go onto reform Candlemass in 1998 with all different members including current Arch Enemy/former Carcass guitarist Michael Amott. Their first ‘comeback’ album was in the form of Dactyls Glomera which was followed a year later by From the 13th Sun.
The Reformation:
In 2002, the band decided to reform with the classic Nightfall lineup for a slew of European tour dates. Old tensions reared their head and the band disbanded once again in late 2003 only to reform several months later and record the eponymous Candlemass album in 2005. The album would go onto to receive overwhelmingly positive reviews across the board and the band hit the European tour and festival circuit for most of 2005.
Exit Messiah - Enter Lowe:
Prior to heading into the studio to record the follow-up to the Candlemass album, Marcolin was removed from the group yet again and according to Edling, "for good." Replacing Marcolin is Solitude Aeturnus throat Robert Lowe. With Lowe in tow, the band jetted off to the studio to record King of the Grey Islands. The album was released in June of 2007 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Current Band Members:
Robert Lowe - Vocals
Mats “Mappe” Bjorkman - Rhythm Guitars
Lars Johansson - Lead Guitars
Leif Edling - Bass
Jan Lindh - Drums
Former Band Members:
Johan Langqvist - Vocals (1985-1986)
Thomas Vikstrom - Vocals (1992-1994)
Björn Flodkvist - Vocals (1998-2001)
Messiah Marcolin - Vocals (1987-1991; 2002-2006)
Mike Wead - Guitars (1992-1994)
Michael Amott - Guitars (1998)
Mats Ståhl - Guitars (1999-2001)
Jejo Perkovic - Drums (1998-2001)
Candlemass Discography:
1986 Epicus Doomicus Metalicus (Powerline)
1987 Nightfall (Restless/Metal Blade)
1988 Ancient Dreams (Restless/Metal Blade)
1989 Tales of Creation (Restless/Metal Blade)
1990 Live (Restless/Metal Blade)
1992 Chapter VI (Music For Nations)
1998 Dactylis Glomera (Music For Nations)
1999 From the 13th Sun (Music For Nations)
2002 Doomed For Live - Reunion 2002 (Powerline)
2005 Candlemass (Nuclear Blast)
2007 King of the Grey Islands (Nuclear Blast)
Recommended Candlemass Album:
Many doom purists will cite Epicus Doomicus Metalicus as the pinnacle of post-Sabbath majesty, but Nightfall isn’t too far behind thanks to Marcolin’s bellowing falsetto and those marching doom riffs. It’s a toss up - you can’t go wrong with either one.
