Candlemass, a pioneering band in the Doom Metal genre, was formed in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1985 by bassist and primary songwriter Leif Edling. Drawing inspiration from Black Sabbath’s slow and heavy riffing, Candlemass became known for defining the “epic doom metal” style. Among their many line-ups over the years, the periods featuring iconic vocalist Messiah Marcolin (1987-1991 and briefly in 2002-2006) stand as the most revered by fans and critics alike, marking some of the band’s most influential and memorable works.

Rock Hard Festival Greece is very proud to be able to announce this one-off world exclusive performance of CANDLEMASS featuring Messiah Marcolin! This will be the first (and only) time in over 20 years that Messiah has performed live with the band.

First Era with Messiah Marcolin (1987–1991):
After releasing their debut album ‘Epicus Doomicus Metallicus’ (1986) featuring session vocalist Johan Längqvist, Candlemass sought a permanent frontman. They eventually found their ideal match in Messiah Marcolin, a classically trained baritone with a theatrical stage presence, instantly recognizable by his monk-like robes and commanding operatic vocals.
The first album of this line-up, ‘Nightfall’ (1987), is widely considered a cornerstone of Doom Metal. Combining Leif Edling’s masterful compositions with Marcolin’s dramatic voice, tracks like “Bewitched” and “At the Gallows End” set a standard for the genre. The album’s majestic atmosphere, heavy riffing, and melancholic lyrics captivated audiences, establishing the band as leading figures in heavy metal’s darker, more emotional subgenre.
In 1988, Candlemass followed up with ‘Ancient Dreams’, which further cemented their reputation. The album, with classic tracks such as “Mirror Mirror” and “A Cry from the Crypt,” maintained the band’s signature slow tempos and operatic grandeur. Although it was very well-received at the time, internal tensions between members began to surface, largely due to creative differences.

‘Tales of Creation’ (1989) was the third and final studio album of this era and line-up. While the album featured powerful songs like “Dark Reflections” and “Into the Unfathomed Tower,” tensions within the band peaked.

After extensive touring and the release of a live-album, ‘Live’, Marcolin finally departed in 1991, citing disagreements over the band’s direction and management. Despite his departure, this period remains the pinnacle of Candlemass’s legacy for many fans.

Reunion with Messiah Marcolin (2002–2006):
After a decade with various vocalists and stylistic experiments, Candlemass reunited with Marcolin in 2002. The reunion was highly anticipated, leading to the live album ‘Doomed for Live’ (2003), recorded at the Sweden Rock Festival. The chemistry between Edling and Marcolin rekindled hope for a full return to form, and the band began working on new studio material. However, internal differences resurfaced, leading to Candlemass disbanding this line-up once again.

In November of 2004, the band announced their second reunion. And in May of 2005, they released the self-titled album, ‘Candlemass’. Tracks like “Black Dwarf” and “Spellbreaker” brought a modern edge to their classic sound while retaining the epic, doom-laden quality fans had come to expect. The album earned critical acclaim and even won the band a Swedish Grammy Award, reaffirming their relevance in contemporary metal.

However, eventually old tensions resurfaced, and by 2006 Marcolin once again parted ways with Candlemass. His departure marked the end of their collaboration thus far, though his contributions during these two key eras continue to define the band’s enduring influence on Doom Metal.

Legacy:
Messiah Marcolin’s theatrical presence, operatic delivery, and contribution to Candlemass’s classic era made him an indelible figure in heavy metal history. The band’s works with him remain some of the most influential albums in doom metal, shaping generations of musicians and fans who revere Candlemass as true legends of the genre.

Now, for the 3rd time, CANDLEMASS will perform with Messiah Marcolin as the frontman for this one-off performance.