The band is playing a handful of festivals and headlining shows this year
Candlemass are celebrating their 40th anniversary with the release of their new EP, Black Star. The record is slated to arrive on May 9 through Napalm Records. It will be available for streaming, and on CD, black vinyl, and a special edition orange splatter vinyl that comes with a booklet and poster in a tote bag.
Check out the cover art and track listing below.
The latest offering from the legendary doom metal titans is a four-track EP packed with canyon-deep riffs. On Black Star, the genre-defying band unveils two brand-new songs alongside two cover versions of timeless classics. The title track blends haunting melodies with deeply introspective lyrics, brought to life by the dark, romantic voice of vocalist Johan Länquist. Songwriter Leif Edling’s lyrics delve into themes of existential struggle, temptation, and the allure of darkness — creating an intense atmosphere imbued with Candlemass’ signature sound. The second new track, “Corridors Of Chaos”, marks a true old school instrumental containing both classic metal riffing and stunning guitar playing by Lars Johansson, showcasing the band’s mastery of dynamics.
Adding to this tribute, Candlemass delivers a cover of Black Sabbath’s iconic “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,” taking listeners back to 1973. This is followed by their rendition of Pentagram’s classic “Forever My Queen,” further cementing Candlemass’ remarkable contribution to shaping the genre into what it is today.
Candlemass was formed in 1984 in Stockholm, Sweden, by bassist and primary songwriter Leif Edling, following the dissolution of his previous band, Nemesis. Dissatisfied with the speed and aggression of contemporary metal, Edling sought to revive the slow, heavy sound pioneered by Black Sabbath in the early 1970s. Recruiting Mats Ekström(drums), Klas Bergwall (guitar), Christian Weberyd (vocals), and Matthias Lindh (later replaced), Candlemass entered the studio to record their debut.
In 1986, they released Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, an album that would become a cornerstone of doom metal. Although initially overlooked commercially, it received cult acclaim for tracks like “Solitude” and “Demon’s Gate,” and is now considered a masterpiece of the genre. Notably, the album featured session vocalist Johan Längqvist, whose operatic delivery helped define Candlemass’s dramatic sound.
The real turning point came with the addition of flamboyant vocalist Messiah Marcolin, whose monk-like robes and theatrical stage presence became iconic. With a stable lineup including guitarists Lars Johansson and Mappe Björkman, Candlemass released three consecutive classics:
- Nightfall (1987): Featuring the fan-favorite “Bewitched,” and artwork from Thomas Cole’s Voyage of Life series, this album solidified their epic doom sound.
- Ancient Dreams (1988): Continued their success, though the band would later express dissatisfaction with its production.
- Tales of Creation (1989): A conceptual piece that delved into themes of mythology and existential dread.
Despite their growing reputation, internal tensions and issues with their label led to Marcolin’s departure in 1991.
The 1990s were a turbulent period which saw Candlemass released several albums with different vocalists, including:
- Chapter VI (1992), with Thomas Vikström on vocals.
- Dactylis Glomerata (1998), a darker, more experimental album with Björn Flodkvist.
- From the 13th Sun (1999), a heavier, Sabbath-inspired outing.
Despite critical moments of brilliance, fan response was mixed, and the band disbanded in 1994 before reforming intermittently.
In 2002, the classic lineup, including Marcolin, reunited for a live album and tour, rekindling interest in the band. Their self-titled album Candlemass (2005) marked a strong comeback and won the Swedish Grammy for Best Hard Rock/Metal Album.
However, Marcolin departed again in 2006 due to logistical and creative differences. He was replaced by Robert Lowe (Solitude Aeturnus), who brought a grittier vocal tone to the albums:
- King of the Grey Islands (2007)
- Death Magic Doom (2009)
After Lowe’s exit in 2012, the band entered a period of uncertainty. Mats Levén took over vocals for a time, leading on the 2016 EP Death Thy Lover. In a major surprise, Johan Längqvist—original vocalist from their debut—rejoined permanently in 2018.
This reunion culminated in the 2019 full-length album The Door to Doom, which featured a guest solo by Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath. The album was praised for merging the old-school Candlemass sound with modern production, earning another Swedish Grammy. In 2022, they released Sweet Evil Sun, further cementing their legacy in doom metal
Candlemass is often credited with pioneering epic doom metal, characterized by slow tempos, heavy riffs, melodic guitar solos, and soaring, operatic vocals. Their theatrical approach and thematic depth—ranging from biblical allegory to existential despair — set them apart in the metal landscape.
Influenced by Black Sabbath, Candlemass themselves influenced countless bands including Solitude Aeturnus, While Heaven Wept, and even modern doom acts like Pallbearer and Crypt Sermon. Candlemass’s impact on metal is immense. Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is routinely ranked among the greatest metal albums of all time, and the band remains a respected force on festival circuits across Europe and beyond. Despite lineup changes and decades of shifting musical trends, Candlemass continues to uphold the doom metal banner with dignity, innovation, and sonic weight.
Candlemass – Black Star [Napalm Records, 2025]
1. Black Star
2. Corridors Of Chaos
3. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
4. Forever My Queen
Pre-Order and Pre-Save now HERE
Candlemass 2025 Tour Dates:
20.06.25 DE – Daun / Der Detze Rockt
25.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons Of Rock
20.07.25 IT – Cremona / Luppolo In Rock
01.08.25 NO – Bergen / Beyond The Gates
08.08.25 NO – Helsinki / Helsinki Fest
09.08.25 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz
13.09.25 GR – Athens / Rock Hard (with Messiah)
01.11.25 SE – Stockholm / Berns