Candlemass (band)

Candlemass
Candlemass performing in 2024
Candlemass performing in 2024
Background information
Also known asNemesis (1982–1984)
OriginStockholm, Sweden
GenresEpic doom metal[1]
Years active
  • 1984–1994
  • 1997–2002
  • 2004–present
Labels
Members
  • Leif Edling
  • Mats Björkman
  • Lars Johansson
  • Jan Lindh
  • Johan Längqvist
Past members
Websitecandlemass.se

Candlemass is a Swedish epic doom metal band formed in 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.[2] Along with Pentagram, Saint Vitus, and Trouble, Candlemass has been recognized as one of the "big four of doom metal".[3][4][5][6]

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.

  1. ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Candlemass". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 15 June 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2012.
  2. ^ Ludwig, Jamie (18 April 2022). "Swedish doom-metal pioneers Candlemass celebrate their epic sounds in Chicago". Chicago Reader. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  3. ^ "Petition For Doom 'Big Four' Tour Circulating". Metalunderground.com. Archived from the original on 26 May 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  4. ^ Kamiński, Karol (11 May 2012). ""The Big 4 of Doom Metal" tour in the works?". Idioteq.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  5. ^ "The 10 Best Doom Metal Bands of All-Time". chaospin.com. 28 May 2021. Archived from the original on 28 May 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  6. ^ "Eric Wagner, Lead Singer Of Doom Metal Legends Trouble, Has Died From Covid-19". Houston Press. 24 August 2021. Archived from the original on 24 August 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2021.