View source for Candlemass (band)

{{Short description|Swedish doom metal band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Candlemass
| image             = Candlemass at Inferno Metal Festival Norway 2024 (53627528728) (cropped).jpg
| caption           = Candlemass performing in 2024
| landscape         = yes
| alias             = Nemesis (1982–1984)
| origin            = [[Stockholm]], Sweden
| genre             = [[Epic doom metal]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=Candlemass |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/candlemass-mn0000648407 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=6 June 2012 |archive-date=15 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615174253/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/candlemass-mn0000648407 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| years_active      = {{flatlist|
* 1984–1994
* 1997–2002
* 2004–present
}}
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
* [[Metal Blade Records|Metal Blade]]
* [[Restless Records|Restless]]
* [[Nuclear Blast]]
* [[Napalm Records|Napalm]]
}}
| website           = {{url|candlemass.se}}
| current_members   = * [[Leif Edling]]
* Mats Björkman
* Lars Johansson
* Jan Lindh
* Johan Längqvist
| past_members      = * Klas Bergwall
* Matz Ekström
* [[Messiah Marcolin]]
* [[Thomas Vikström]]
* Björn Flodkvist
* Jejo Perkovic
* [[Michael Amott]]
* Carl Westholm
* Mats Ståhl
* [[Robert Lowe (musician)|Robert Lowe]]
* [[Mats Levén]]
| module            = {{Infobox
| child           = yes
| data2           = [[File:Candlemass Logo.svg|200px]]
}}
}}

'''Candlemass''' is a Swedish [[doom metal]] band formed in [[Upplands Väsby Municipality|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]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ludwig |first1=Jamie |title=Swedish doom-metal pioneers Candlemass celebrate their epic sounds in Chicago |url=https://chicagoreader.com/music/swedish-doom-metal-pioneers-candlemass/ |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=[[Chicago Reader]] |date=18 April 2022 |archive-date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221171634/https://chicagoreader.com/music/swedish-doom-metal-pioneers-candlemass/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Along with [[Pentagram (band)|Pentagram]], [[Saint Vitus (band)|Saint Vitus]], and [[Trouble (band)|Trouble]], Candlemass has been recognized as one of the "big four of doom metal".<ref name="big four">Multiple sources:
*{{Cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=80887|title=Petition For Doom 'Big Four' Tour Circulating|website=Metalunderground.com|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=26 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526013253/http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=80887|url-status=live}}
*{{Cite web|url=https://idioteq.com/the-big-4-of-doom-metal-tour-in-the-works/|title="The Big 4 of Doom Metal" tour in the works?|first=Karol|last=Kamiński|date=11 May 2012|website=Idioteq.com|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=18 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518002459/https://idioteq.com/the-big-4-of-doom-metal-tour-in-the-works/|url-status=live}}
*{{cite web|url=https://chaospin.com/best-doom-metal-bands-of-all-time/|title=The 10 Best Doom Metal Bands of All-Time|website=chaospin.com|date=28 May 2021|access-date=June 3, 2021|archive-date=28 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528145136/https://chaospin.com/best-doom-metal-bands-of-all-time/|url-status=live}}
*{{cite web|url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/eric-wagner-lead-singer-of-doom-metal-legends-trouble-has-died-from-covid-19-11785165|title=Eric Wagner, Lead Singer Of Doom Metal Legends Trouble, Has Died From Covid-19|publisher=[[Houston Press]]|date=August 24, 2021|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=24 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824171103/https://www.houstonpress.com/music/eric-wagner-lead-singer-of-doom-metal-legends-trouble-has-died-from-covid-19-11785165|url-status=live}}</ref>

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 ==  
=== Debut with Johan Längqvist and the classic Messiah Marcolin era (1984–1990) ===  
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.<ref name="LarkinHR">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1999|edition=First|isbn=0-7535-0257-7|pages=89/90}}</ref> Their debut release, ''[[Epicus Doomicus Metallicus]]'' (1986),<ref name="LarkinHR" /> quickly established their reputation, securing their place within metal circles and marking a milestone in the [[doom metal]] scene.<ref name="autogenerated1">[{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p3827/biography|pure_url=yes}} allmusic ((( Candlemass > Biography )))]</ref> After the release of their debut album, Längqvist was replaced by [[Messiah Marcolin]].<ref name="LarkinHR" /> By the time the band entered the studio to record their second album, ''[[Nightfall (Candlemass 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.<ref name="LarkinHR" />  

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

=== Vikström/Flodqvist albums, hiatus, and first reunion with Marcolin (1991–2003) ===  
After Marcolin's departure, Candlemass recruited vocalist [[Thomas Vikström]] and recorded ''[[Chapter VI (album)|Chapter VI]]'' (1992).<ref name="LarkinHR" /> The band toured to support the album, but by 1994, Candlemass had disbanded, partly due to the commercial failure of ''Chapter VI'',{{Citation needed|date=March 2007}} and partly because Edling had formed a new project, [[Abstrakt Algebra]].<ref name="LarkinHR" /> After Abstrakt Algebra failed to gain traction, Edling recruited a new lineup under the Candlemass name and recorded the album ''[[Dactylis Glomerata]]'',<ref name="LarkinHR" /> which was a blend of material intended for a new Abstrakt Algebra album and new Candlemass songs.{{Citation needed|reason=Sept. 2008|date=September 2008}} 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|date=January 2010}} 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 (band)|Entombed]].

=== Second Marcolin reunion (2004–2006) ===  
[[File:Candlemass - wacken.jpg|210px|thumb|right|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) ===
Candlemass found a new vocalist, [[Robert Lowe (musician)|Robert Lowe]] ([[Solitude Aeturnus]]),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-taps-solitude-aeturnus-singer-to-replace-messiah-marcolin/ |title=Candlemass Taps Solitude Aeturnus Singer To Replace Messiah Marcolin |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=22 January 2007 |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=9 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309145422/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-taps-solitude-aeturnus-singer-to-replace-messiah-marcolin/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/solitude-aeturnus-guitarist-comments-on-singer-joining-candlemass/ |title=Solitude Aeturnus Guitarist Comments On Singer Joining Candlemass |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=22 January 2007 |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=9 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309142700/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/solitude-aeturnus-guitarist-comments-on-singer-joining-candlemass/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-metal-doom-and-garlic/ |title=Candlemass: 'Metal, Doom and Garlic' |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=18 October 2006 |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=30 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930040640/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-metal-doom-and-garlic/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

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).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realtid.se/ArticlePages/200803/20/20080320124851_Realtid685/20080320124851_Realtid685.dbp.asp |title=Känd svensk gitarrist fick fängelse |website=Realtid.se |date=20 March 2008 |access-date=2 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006155055/http://www.realtid.se/ArticlePages/200803/20/20080320124851_Realtid685/20080320124851_Realtid685.dbp.asp |archive-date=6 October 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesliv/article2092521.ab |title=Musiker dömd till fängelse &#124; Nöjesbladet &#124; Aftonbladet |website=Aftonbladet.se |access-date=2 October 2015 |archive-date=21 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321232704/http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesliv/article2092521.ab |url-status=live }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.candlemass.se/candlemass/2008/12/01/candlemass-new-album-finally-mixed/|title=Candlemass new album finally mixed! « Candlemass|date=23 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323040724/http://www.candlemass.se/candlemass/2008/12/01/candlemass-new-album-finally-mixed/|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=23 March 2009}}</ref> The album was originally scheduled for release on 27 March 2009 but was delayed until 3 April 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalstorm.ee/events/news_comments.php?news_id=7975 |title=Candlemass – New Album Details – Metal Storm |website=Metalstorm.ee |access-date=2 October 2015 |archive-date=1 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101144851/http://www.metalstorm.ee/events/news_comments.php?news_id=7975 |url-status=live }}</ref> The band signed with the Austrian label [[Napalm Records]] in 2011, who released their eleventh studio album, ''[[Psalms for the Dead]]'', in June 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-signs-with-napalm-records-for-farewell-album/ |title=Candlemass Signs With Napalm Records For Farewell Album |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=14 October 2011 |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=29 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929212717/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-signs-with-napalm-records-for-farewell-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-new-album-title-cover-artwork-revealed/ |title=Candlemass: New Album Title, Cover Artwork Revealed |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=16 March 2012 |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=19 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919222730/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-new-album-title-cover-artwork-revealed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-leader-we-re-not-splitting-up/ |title=Candlemass Leader: 'We're Not Splitting Up' |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=24 February 2012 |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=19 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919221640/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-leader-we-re-not-splitting-up/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Mats Levén era (2012–2018) ===
[[File:Candlemass Party.San Metal Open Air 2017 13.jpg|thumb|Candlemass at Party.San 2017]]
On 2 June 2012, Candlemass announced via their website that [[Robert Lowe (musician)|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 (band)|Therion]], [[Treat (band)|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 (album)|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.candlemass.se/candlemass/2012/06/02/candlemass-singer-change/|title=CANDLEMASS SINGER CHANGE!|website=Candlemass.se|date=2 June 2012|access-date=2 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925032318/http://www.candlemass.se/candlemass/2012/06/02/candlemass-singer-change/|archive-date=25 September 2012}}</ref>

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 (band)|Entombed]] (ranked No.&nbsp;2 on the list), would perform together at a special jubilee concert in Stockholm, arranged by the magazine.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swedenrock.com/index.cfm?pg=85 |title=Sveriges 100 bästa band |language=sv |website=Swedenrock.com |access-date=2 October 2015 |archive-date=3 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203021338/http://www.swedenrock.com/index.cfm?pg=85 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swedenrock.com/index.cfm?pg=55&cobView=99 |title=Sweden Rock Festival 3-6 June 2015 |language=sv |website=Swedenrock.com |date=6 June 2015 |access-date=2 October 2015 |archive-date=4 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204064207/http://www.swedenrock.com/index.cfm?pg=55&cobView=99 |url-status=live }}</ref> 

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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deadrhetoric.com/features/avatarium-behold-the-darkin-paradise/|title=Avatarium – Behold the Dark...In Paradise|website=Deadrhetoric.com|date=1 December 2013|access-date=5 December 2013|archive-date=5 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205073745/http://www.deadrhetoric.com/features/avatarium-behold-the-darkin-paradise/|url-status=live}}</ref> To coincide with the 30th anniversary of ''[[Epicus Doomicus Metallicus]]'', Candlemass released the EP ''Death Thy Lover'' on 3 June 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.candlemass.se/doom/2016/02/26/death-thy-lover/ |title=Candlemass – Death Thy Lover |language=en |website=Candlemass.se |date=26 February 2016 |access-date=17 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507171937/http://www.candlemass.se/doom/2016/02/26/death-thy-lover/ |archive-date=7 May 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Additionally, on 29 April 2016, the band released a career-spanning coffee-table book.<ref name=wall_of_doom /> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.burningshed.com/store/peaceville/product/261/7322/ |title=Peaceville, Candlemass, Behind the Wall of Doom |language=en |website=Burningshed.com |access-date=17 May 2016 |archive-date=16 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316223347/https://www.burningshed.com/store/peaceville/product/261/7322/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Reunion with Johan Längqvist (2018–present) ===  
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]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-parts-way-with-singer-mats-leven-announces-return-of-johan-langqvist/|title=CANDLEMASS Parts Way With Singer MATS LEVÉN, Announces Return Of JOHAN LÄNGQVIST|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=4 September 2018|date=3 September 2018|archive-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904220825/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-parts-way-with-singer-mats-leven-announces-return-of-johan-langqvist/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/here-is-video-of-candlemass-rehearsing-solitude-with-newly-returned-singer-johan-langqvist/|title=Here is Video Of CANDLEMASS Rehearsing 'Solitude' With Newly Returned Singer JOHAN LÄNGQVIST|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=4 September 2018|date=4 September 2018|archive-date=5 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905065128/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/here-is-video-of-candlemass-rehearsing-solitude-with-newly-returned-singer-johan-langqvist/|url-status=live}}</ref>  

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".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/black-sabbaths-tony-iommi-to-guest-on-new-candlemass-album-the-door-to-doom/|title=BLACK SABBATH's TONY IOMMI To Guest On New CANDLEMASS Album, 'The Door To Doom'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=6 December 2018|date=6 December 2018|archive-date=6 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206215249/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/black-sabbaths-tony-iommi-to-guest-on-new-candlemass-album-the-door-to-doom/|url-status=live}}</ref> The band released an EP, ''The Pendulum'', on 27 March 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-to-release-the-pendulum-ep-in-march/|title=CANDLEMASS To Release 'The Pendulum' EP In March|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=25 May 2020|date=31 January 2020|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201122406/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-to-release-the-pendulum-ep-in-march/|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after its release, [[Leif Edling]] said that Candlemass was unlikely to release their next studio album until 2022 or 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.echoesanddust.com/2020/04/leif-edling-from-candlemass/|title=Leif Edling from Candlemass|website=Echoesanddust.com|access-date=25 May 2020|date=29 April 2020|archive-date=18 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518123019/https://www.echoesanddust.com/2020/04/leif-edling-from-candlemass/|url-status=live}}</ref>  

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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-announces-sweet-evil-sun-album-shares-scandinavian-gods-music-video|title=CANDLEMASS Announces 'Sweet Evil Sun' Album, Shares 'Scandinavian Gods' Music Video|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=August 18, 2022|date=August 18, 2022|archive-date=18 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818151247/https://blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-announces-sweet-evil-sun-album-shares-scandinavian-gods-music-video|url-status=live}}</ref>

Candlemass released an EP, titled ''Black Star'', on 9 May 2025,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-to-release-black-star-ep-in-may-2025|title=CANDLEMASS To Release 'Black Star' EP In May 2025|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=October 14, 2024|date=October 14, 2024}}</ref> and its only single "Black Star" one month prior. The band will reunite with former singer [[Messiah Marcolin]] for the first time in nineteen years at the [[Rock Hard Festival]] in [[Athens]], Greece on 12-13 September 2025;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-to-reunite-with-singer-messiah-marcolin-for-one-off-performance-at-rock-hard-festival-greece|title=CANDLEMASS To Reunite With Singer MESSIAH MARCOLIN For One-Off Performance At ROCK HARD FESTIVAL GREECE|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=February 1, 2025|date=February 1, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |date=2025-02-01 |title=CANDLEMASS To Reunite With MESSIAH MARCOLIN On Vocals For One Show |url=https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/candlemass-to-reunite-with-messiah-marcolin-on-vocals-for-one-show |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}</ref> Edling has stated that this will be a one-off show: "No recordings, no tours, nothing more, just one show."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/leif-edling-says-candlemasss-reunion-with-messiah-marcolin-will-be-a-one-off-event-no-recordings-no-tours-nothing-more|title=LEIF EDLING Says CANDLEMASS's Reunion With MESSIAH MARCOLIN Will Be A One-Off Event: 'No Recordings, No Tours, Nothing More'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 28, 2025|date=April 22, 2025}}</ref>

== Style and influences ==  
Candlemass is considered a [[doom metal]] band with a sound described as exhibiting "[[dirge]]-like, sustain-laden [[guitar riff|guitar riffing]]".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/candlemass-mn0000648407#biography | title=Candlemass Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More | website=[[AllMusic]] }}</ref> 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 (band)|King Diamond]], [[Bachman–Turner Overdrive]], [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Nazareth (band)|Nazareth]], [[Jimi Hendrix|the Jimi Hendrix Experience]], [[Judas Priest]], [[Motörhead]], and [[Venom (band)|Venom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrrecords.de/high_roller/sites/release_detail.php?relno=155|title=CANDLEMASS – Don't Fear The Reaper 12"|access-date=14 September 2021|archive-date=25 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625221122/https://www.hrrecords.de/high_roller/sites/release_detail.php?relno=155|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Candlemass are considered pioneers of the [[doom metal]] subgenre of [[heavy metal music|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 metal|thrash]] metalheads, almost single-handedly writing the handbook for the modern doom metal movement in the process."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/candlemass-mn0000648407#biography | title=Candlemass Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More | website=[[AllMusic]] }}</ref> The band is cited as one of doom metal's "big four", along with American bands [[Pentagram (band)|Pentagram]], [[Saint Vitus (band)|Saint Vitus]] and [[Trouble (band)|Trouble]].<ref name="big four" />

== Band members ==
{{main|List of Candlemass members}}

'''Current members'''
* [[Leif Edling]] – bass {{small|(1984–1993, 1997–present)}}, vocals {{small|(1984–1986)}}
* Mats "Mappe" Björkman – rhythm guitar {{small|(1984–1993, 2001–present)}}
* Johan Längqvist – vocals {{small|(1986, 2018–present; live guest 2010, 2011)}}
* Lars Johansson – lead guitar {{small|(1986–1993, 2001–present)}}
* Jan Lindh – drums {{small|(1986–1993, 2001–present)}}

== Discography ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

=== Studio albums ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Album
! colspan="3" | Peak chart positions
|-
! width="40px" | [[Sverigetopplistan|SWE]]<br><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sverigetopplistan.se/|title=Sverigetopplistan – Sveriges Officiella Topplista|publisher=[[Sverigetopplistan]]|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-date=20 May 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170520212741/http://www.sverigetopplistan.se/|url-status=live}} Click on "Veckans albumlista".</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/54?dspy=2022&dspp=47|title=Veckolista Album, vecka 47|publisher=[[Sverigetopplistan]]|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=25 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125194231/https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/54?dspy=2022&dspp=47|url-status=live}}</ref>
! width="40px" | [[GfK Entertainment charts|GER]]<br /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche?artist_search=Candlemass&do_search=do|title=Discographie Candlemass|publisher=GfK Entertainment|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301024903/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche?artist_search=Candlemass&do_search=do|url-status=live}}</ref>
! width="40px" | [[Billboard Top 200|US]]
|-
| 1986
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Epicus Doomicus Metallicus]]''
| —
| x
| —
|-
| 1987
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Nightfall (Candlemass album)|Nightfall]]''
| —
| x
| —
|-
| 1988
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Ancient Dreams]]''
| 45
| x
| 174
|-
| 1989
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Tales of Creation]]''
| 48
| x
| —
|-
| 1992
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Chapter VI (album)|Chapter VI]]''
| 43
| —
| —
|-
| 1998
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Dactylis Glomerata]]''
| —
| —
| —
|-
| 1999
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[From the 13th Sun]]''
| —
| —
| —
|-
| 2005
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Candlemass (album)|Candlemass]]''
| 7
| 96
| —
|-
| 2007
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[King of the Grey Islands]]''
| 32
| 83
| —
|-
| 2009
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Death Magic Doom]]''
| 33
| 52
| —
|-
| 2012
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Psalms for the Dead]]''
| 19
| 58
| —
|-
| 2019
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[The Door to Doom]]''
| 13
| 18
| —
|-
| 2022
| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Sweet Evil Sun]]''
| 52
| 42
| —
|-
| colspan="11" style="font-size:85%;" | "—" denotes that the recording did not chart, was not released in that territory, or is uncertified.
"×" denotes periods where charts did not exist or were not archived.
|}

=== Live albums ===
* ''[[Live (Candlemass album)|Live]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Doomed for Live – Reunion 2002]]'' (2002)
* ''No Sleep 'til Athens'' (2010)
* ''Ashes to Ashes'' (2010)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-ashes-to-ashes-live-dvd-to-receive-u-s-release-in-june/ |title=Candlemass: 'Ashes To Ashes Live' DVD To Receive U.S. Release In June |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=18 March 2010 |access-date=10 December 2017 |archive-date=24 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024145528/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/candlemass-ashes-to-ashes-live-dvd-to-receive-u-s-release-in-june/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''Epicus Doomicus Metallicus – Live at Roadburn 2011'' (2013)
* ''Live at the Marquee 1988'' (2013)
* ''Dynamo Doom'' (2019)

=== Compilation albums ===
* ''[[The Best of Candlemass: As It Is, as It Was]]'' (1994)
* ''Black Heart of Candlemass'' (2002)
* ''Diamonds of Doom'' (2003) (limited vinyl record)
* ''Essential Doom'' (2004)
* ''Dactylis Glomerata & Abstrakt Algebra II (previously unreleased album)'' (2008)
* ''Introducing'' (2013) (career-spanning album)
* ''Behind the Wall of Doom'' (2016)<ref name=wall_of_doom>{{cite web |url=http://www.candlemass.se/doom/2016/02/29/behind-the-wall-of-doom/ |title=Candlemass – Behind the Wall of Doom |website=Candlemass.se |date=29 February 2016 |access-date=17 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507171942/http://www.candlemass.se/doom/2016/02/29/behind-the-wall-of-doom/ |archive-date=7 May 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Box sets ===
* ''[[Doomology]]'' (2010)
{{col-2}}

=== EPs and singles ===
* ''Samarithan'' (1988)
* ''At the Gallows End'' (1988)
* ''Sjunger Sigge Fürst'' (1993)
* ''Wiz'' (1998)
* ''Nimis'' (2001)
* ''At the Gallows End/Samarithan'' (2005)
* ''Dark Reflections/Into the Unfathomed Tower'' (2005)
* ''Mirror Mirror/The Bells of Acheron'' (2005)
* ''Solitude/Crystal Ball'' (2005)
* ''Assassin of the Light'' (2005)
* ''Black Dwarf (with Robert Lowe on vocals)'' (2007)
* ''[[Lucifer Rising (Candlemass album)|Lucifer Rising]]'' (2008)
* ''If I Ever Die'' (2009)
* ''Don't Fear the Reaper'' (2010)
* ''Dancing in the Temple of the Mad Queen Bee'' (13 April 2012)
* ''Candlemass vs. Entombed'' (Limited edition CD, recorded for Sweden Rock Magazine's 100th issue)
* ''Death Thy Lover'' (2016)
* ''Dark Are the Veils of Death'' (2017)
* ''House of Doom'' (2018)
* ''The Pendulum'' (2020)
* ''Black Star'' (2025)

=== Demos ===
* ''Witchcraft'' (1984)
* ''Second demo'' (1984)
* ''Tales of Creation'' (1985)
* ''Demo with Marcolin'' (1987)

=== DVDs ===
* ''Documents of Doom'' (2002)
* ''The Curse of Candlemass'' (2005)
* ''Candlemass 20 Year Anniversary'' (2007)
* ''Ashes to Ashes Live'' (2010)
{{col-end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
* [https://candlemass.se/ Candlemass official website]
* {{AllMusic}}
* {{Discogs artist|artist=Candlemass}}
* {{MusicBrainz artist|id=7dba6614-d0bd-4950-8b7b-841b31c413c2|name=Candlemass}}

{{Candlemass}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Swedish doom metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1984]]
[[Category:Swedish musical quintets]]
[[Category:Nuclear Blast artists]]
[[Category:Napalm Records artists]]
[[Category:Metal Blade Records artists]]
[[Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines]]
[[Category:Swedish heavy metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Stockholm County]]
[[Category:1980s establishments in Stockholm County]]
[[Category:1984 establishments in Sweden]]
[[Category:Upplands Väsby Municipality]]