Candlemass

About

Candlemass: The titans of doom, forging epics of sorrow and shadows since 1984. Not merely playing the genre, they *are* doom metal, their slow, deliberate riffs and operatic vocals setting the standard against which all others are measured. Founder Leif Edling's crushing riffs are the foundation, layered with the soaring melodies that characterized their early albums like "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" (1986), a cornerstone of the genre featuring the inimitable vocals of Johan Längqvist. The band navigated lineup changes and periods of inactivity, but their commitment to monolithic riffs and lyrical narratives of despair remained unwavering. Messiah Marcolin’s iconic presence further cemented their legendary status. Candlemass’s influence extends beyond doom metal, impacting subgenres from black metal to stoner rock. Their sound, steeped in the tradition of Black Sabbath but infused with classical influences and a distinctly Swedish melancholy, resonates with a primal power. Recent works, including collaborations and reissues, prove their enduring relevance. They stand as living gods in the pantheon of heavy music, their music a soundtrack to the apocalypse within.