The Story Of: Candlemass – Pioneers of Epic Doom Metal

Candlemass, the iconic Swedish band, are widely credited as pioneers of epic doom metal. With their theatrical, slow-burning riffs, operatic vocals and lyrics steeped in mysticism and darkness, Candlemass took the foundations laid by Black Sabbath and expanded on them to create a genre all their own. Their tale is one of decades of sonic innovation and the type of tenacity that only metal greats can muster.

Origins: The Birth of Epic Doom Metal

Previously a member of the heavy metal band Nemesis, bassist and lyricist Leif Edling founded Candlemass in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1984. Inspired by the dark, heavy sound of Black Sabbath, Edling sought to create music that was even slower, heavier and more atmospheric, giving rise to what would become known as “epic doom metal”. Edling joined by Mats “Mappe” Björkman on guitar, Mats Ekström on drums and Johan Längqvist as the band original vocalist.

Breakthrough with Epicus Doomicus Metallicus

In 1986, Candlemass released their debut album “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” a title that perfectly encapsulates their groundbreaking sound. With tracks like “Solitude” and “Under the Oak” the album introduced fans to the band distinctive combination of slow, crushing riffs, haunting vocals and an overwhelming sense of melancholy. “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” was an underground success, immediately establishing Candlemass as a unique force in metal.

Though the album was well-received, Johan Längqvist left the band shortly after its release. In need of a new vocalist, Candlemass recruited Messiah Marcolin, whose powerful, operatic voice and dramatic stage presence would become key to the band’s identity.

Ascendancy: Nightfall and the Classic Lineup

With Messiah Marcolin on vocals, Candlemass entered a new era. They released their second album “Nightfall” in 1987, which is often considered their masterpiece and one of the greatest doom metal albums of all time. Featuring classic tracks such as “At the Gallows End”, “Samarithan” and “Bewitched” “Nightfall” showed Candlemass growth as musicians and songwriters. Marcolin theatrical voice, combined with Edling heavy, melancholic compositions, created a sound that was both epic and tragic.

The classic lineup, which included guitarist Lars Johansson and drummer Jan Lindh, solidified with “Nightfall” and continued with subsequent releases, such as “Ancient Dreams” (1988) and “Tales of Creation” (1989). Both albums expanded on the themes and sounds of “Nightfall” with compositions that were even more atmospheric, doom-laden and powerful. By the end of the 1980s Candlemass had firmly established themselves as the preeminent band in doom metal and they were often hailed as the genre answer to Black Sabbath.

Struggles and Hiatus

Despite their popularity, the band started to experience internal strife, especially between Marcolin and Edling. Following Marcolin departure in 1990 due to creative and personal reasons, Candlemass experimented with several vocalists and styles. The band fame declined in the early 1990s as a result of internal issues and the shifting musical environment, despite the publication of albums like “Chapter VI” (1992) which included vocalist Thomas Vikström.

Candlemass took a break in 1994 after doom metal failed to gain widespread popularity in the 1990s. Marcolin pursued other endeavours during this time and Edling experimented with other musical ventures including Abstrakt Algebra and Krux. Nonetheless, Candlemass early recordings became cult favourites in the metal scene, and fans kept demanding a reunion.

Reunion and New Millennium Revival

The reunion of Candlemass iconic lineup, which included Messiah Marcolin, for live concerts in 2002 gave fans hope for new songs. They ultimately released their self-titled album, Candlemass, in 2005 as a result of the reunion. The album was a remarkable comeback, fusing a contemporary touch with the gloom and severity of their early work. Songs like “Seven Silver Keys” and “Black Dwarf” demonstrated that the band’s influence had not faded.

However, the reunion was brief when Marcolin departed the band once more in 2006 because of persistent conflicts. Immediately Candlemass brought in Robert Lowe, formerly of Solitude Aeturnus, whose eerie, deep voice gave their sound a new depth. With Lowe, Candlemass put out “King of the Grey Islands” (2007) an album that showed that they could keep changing without becoming less of themselves and signalled a return to darker, more sombre themes.

Further Reinventions and Honors

Candlemass later albums, such as “Death Magic Doom” (2009) and “Psalms for the Dead” (2012), showed a band that was constantly experimenting and pushing the boundaries of doom metal. While some fans missed Marcolin iconic vocals, Lowe contribution brought a unique character and expanded Candlemass legacy. Each album maintained the band’s signature doom sound, filled with deep riffs, sorrowful lyrics and a brooding atmosphere.

In 2018, Johan Längqvist, the original vocalist from “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus”, rejoined Candlemass, reuniting the band with the voice that started it all. In 2019, they released “The Door to Doom”, an album that combined the heaviness and melancholy of their early work with a modern, polished production. The album included the song “Astorolus – The Great Octopus” featuring a guest appearance by Black Sabbath Tony Iommi, a fitting tribute to the band’s roots.

Legacy and Influence

Candlemass influence on doom metal is immense. By blending operatic, epic elements with the crushing heaviness of traditional doom they created a new subgenre that would inspire generations of bands, from Solitude Aeturnus and Count Raven to more modern acts like Pallbearer and Khemmis. Metal became more dramatic and emotive as a result of their theatrical, larger-than-life approach to music.

Doom metal masterpieces include songs like “Solitude”, “At the Gallows End” and “Bewitched” which perfectly encapsulate the mood of the genre’s gloom, grief and resiliency. Alongside the bands that influenced them Candlemass has earned a spot among the best bands in metal history because to their groundbreaking work.

Conclusion: The Eternal Flame of Doom

Candlemass journey is one of perseverance, reinvention and dedication to the art of heavy, epic music. While their lineup has changed over the years and their sound has evolved, their commitment to doom has remained unwavering. They’ve managed to stay relevant and respected in the metal scene for nearly four decades, creating music that resonates with fans old and new alike.

Candlemass is still a major presence in the doom metal scene as one of the most lasting and well-liked bands. For centuries to come metal fans and artists will surely be inspired by their legacy which is characterised by eerie riffs, dramatic vocals and compelling narrative. Doom metal is more than simply a genre as Candlemass has demonstrated. It’s an enduring trip into the depths of darkness and beyond as well as an everlasting relationship between artist and audience.

Studio Albums

Epicus Doomicus Metallicus (June 10th, 1986)
Nightfall (November 9th, 1987)
Ancient Dreams (November 23rd, 1988)
Tales of Creation (September 25th, 1989)
Chapter VI (May 25th, 1992)
Dactylis Glomerata (April 13th, 1998
From the 13th Sun (September 6th, 1999)
Candlemass (May 2nd, 2005)
King of the Grey Islands (June 22nd, 2007)
Death Magic Doom (April 3rd, 2009)
Psalms for the Dead (June 8th, 2012)
The Door to Doom (February 22nd, 2019)
Sweet Evil Sun (November 18th, 2022)

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)