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Candlemass - The Heavy Metal Trailblazers
Candlemass is a Swedish heavy metal band that was formed in Stockholm in 1984. The band's name was derived from the title of the 1985 album by Black Sabbath, "Candlemass".
The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Johan Langquist, guitarists Mats Björkman and Mike Wead, bassist Leif Edling, and drummer Matz Ekström. This lineup released the band's first two albums, "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" and "Nightfall", which were both critically acclaimed and considered to be classics of the doom metal genre.
In 1986, Candlemass underwent their first lineup change when Langquist left the band and was replaced by Messiah Marcolin. This new lineup released the album "Ancient Dreams", which continued the band's trend of critical acclaim and was also a commercial success. However, Marcolin left the band in 1991 and was replaced by Thomas Vikström.
Under Vikström's leadership, Candlemass released two more albums, "Chapter VI" and "Tales of Creation", before disbanding in 1994. The band would go on hiatus for several years before reuniting in 2002 with a new lineup consisting of vocalist Robert Lowe, guitarists Lars Johansson and Mikael Åkerfeldt, bassist Leif Edling, and drummer Martin Axenrot. This lineup released the album "Doomed for Live", which was a live album recorded during the band's reunion tour.
In 2006, Candlemass released their eighth studio album, "Candlemass", which was their first album of new material in over a decade. This album was followed by "King of the Grey Islands" in 2007, "Death Magic Doom" in 2009, "Psalms for the Dead" in 2012, and "The Door to Doom" in 2019.
Throughout their career, Candlemass has been praised for their unique blend of doom metal and traditional heavy metal, with many citing the band as a pioneer of the genre. The band's albums have been hailed as classics by fans and critics alike, and their influence can be heard in many modern doom metal bands.
Candlemass continues to tour and perform live, and their shows are always a must-see for fans of heavy metal. The band's legacy as trailblazers in the doom metal genre is undeniable, and their music continues to inspire new generations of heavy metal fans.
