Chad Bowar: Why was this the right time for you to release your first solo album?
Leif Edling: Candlemass wasn’t releasing any album in 2008 (an EP in August), so a solo album release wasn’t a bad idea I thought. I had some time over after the autumn tour in 2008 and wrote some songs that I wanted to release under my own name just for the heck of it.
How did you put the backing band together?
They are my friends and they also happen to be really good musicians. We shoot pool together, play pinball together, enjoy Indian food together. Yes, we also drink together!
How does Songs Of Torment, Songs Of Joy differ from a typical Candlemass album?
It is slower and more epic. More monotone and more organ doom.
How did you like singing lead again?
It was fun! I enjoyed it very much. After a glass of wine (or two) I got the hang of it. I think the vocals suits the music very well.
Where did the album title come from?
The heaven and hell concept. Me in the hellfire with a halo on, showing that there’s two sides to every coin. People have good days and bad days: light and shade.
Will you be playing any solo live shows?
It would be fun, but I have no time. Candlemass takes up all my time this year.
It’s been out in Europe for a few months. What has the response been?
Better than I expected actually. The reviews thus far have been bloody great!
What are your North American expectations for the CD?
I know it is not easy to sell albums in the U.S. without an American label and no tours, so I don’t expect much. But if people like it and it sells some copies at least, then I’m pleased. Everything else on top of that is a bonus.
Give us a preview of Candlemass’ upcoming Death Magic Doom CD.
It is the best album since Nightfall. It’s a bloody good HEAVY metal album!
Is it a concept album?
Nope, just eight great songs with topics like immortality, death, sea beasts, insanity and vampires.
Did the songwriting and recording process differ from previous Candlemass sessions?
Not really, I just put in extra time and effort to make the best album possible.
Was it more comfortable in the studio with this being Robert’s second full-length album with the band?
It was great to have Robert in Stockholm for the recording. He did a great job and we worked together very well together on the new songs. He really made them his own.
What is the status of Mappe’s legal case? I read he was sentenced to two years in prison, but was appealing the verdict.
We don’t know yet. They are still negotiating.
Is there a concern of having too much Candlemass related material released in a short period, with Lucifer Rising, your solo CD and the upcoming Candlemass full-length all coming out in a six month period?
I don’t give a rat’s ass. Lucifer Rising came out in August, the solo album in November and the album in April. If people think it’s too much, it is their problem. The solo stuff shouldn’t interfere with Candlemass, as it sounds completely different, and you must be able to release an EP before an album as an appetizer like they did in the ‘80s.
What’s your touring schedule looking like for 2009?
We don’t know yet. We will try to get to as many summer festivals as possible first. Guess it will be tours in the autumn.
Last summer Candlemass toured the U.S. for the first time in a while. How was that experience?
It was great to tour the U.S. again. We met so many old friends, made new ones, saw some great places and played some great shows.
Will the current world economic situation affect your tour plans?
I have absolutely no idea. I hope not!
How did you get started in music?
I bought some really great albums when I was a young kid, like Black Sabbaths Paranoid and BTO’s Not Fragile and wanted to play myself.
What was your first band?
We had bands in junior high, but the first real band was Witchcraft in '80/'81.
When did you decide music would be your career?
I have always wanted it. I lived on it for some years in the ‘80s, and I have been fortunate enough to live off the music for some years now.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
Hope to see all Candlemaniacs in the states soon in a city near you!
