Candlemass is a Swedish 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. Along with Pentagram, Saint Vitus, and Trouble, Candlemass has been recognized as one of the "big four of doom metal".
Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Its name was inspired by the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. "To Mega Therion" is Greek for "The Great Beast" and was a title used by occultist Aleister Crowley. Originally a death metal band, Therion adjusted its musical style by adding orchestral elements, including choirs, classical musicians, and even a full orchestra at their concert performances. As a result, they are considered pioneers of the symphonic metal genre.
Leif Edling is a Swedish musician, best known as the bassist, main songwriter and one of the founding members of the doom metal band Candlemass. He is the only constant member of the band since its inception to the present day. Nevertheless, since the band's second reunion in 2002 Edling has been backed up again by founding rhythm guitarist Mats Björkman, who had been absent from 1997 to 2002.
Solitude Aeturnus is an American epic doom metal band from Arlington, Texas. Founded by John Perez in early 1987, the original lineup consisted of Perez on guitar, vocalist Kristoff (Christopher) Gabehart, guitarist Tom Martinez, drummer Brad Kane, and Chris Hardin on bass. The name Solitude was chosen to pay homage to the bands Black Sabbath and Candlemass, both of whom had songs bearing the name "Solitude". Solitude Aeturnus released their debut album "Into the Depths of Sorrow" in 1991 with John Perez and Edgar Rivera on guitars, Robert Lowe on vocals, Lyle Steadham on bass and John Covington on drums. Solitude Aeturnus played with Candlemass in Texas in 1991. Their second and most progressive album, "Beyond the Crimson Horizon", was released in 1992. "Through the Darkest Hour", the band's landmark album, was released in 1994. "Downfall", the band's fourth studio album, was released in 1996. "Adagio", released two years later in 1998, featured Steve Moseley on bass, who replaced Lyle Steadham. Lyle Steadham was the main lyricist of the band until then. The band's final album, "Alone", was released in 2006 with a different lineup, as James Martin took over bass duties, Steve Moseley moved to lead guitar replacing Edgar Rivera, and Steve Nichols replaced John Covington on drums. Following a few concerts in Europe, Solitude Aeturnus went into a long hiatus as singer Robert Lowe took over singing duties in Candlemass.
Melissa is the debut studio album by Danish heavy metal band Mercyful Fate, released in October 1983 through Roadrunner Records. It was the first album released by Roadrunner Records. This was also the first Mercyful Fate effort to get an official release in the United States through Megaforce Records, as the self-titled EP was a highly sought after import, and the BBC sessions were only available on bootleg tapes. Melissa has been identified as one of the earliest examples of extreme metal, and is often considered to be a major influence on the then-developing thrash metal, black metal and death metal genres.
Trouble is an American doom metal band from Aurora, Illinois, formed in 1980. They are often considered one of the pioneers of doom metal, and have been referred to as one of the genre's "big four" alongside Candlemass, Pentagram and Saint Vitus. The band created a distinct style, taking influences of the British heavy metal bands Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, and psychedelic rock of the 1960s.
Mats Levén is a Swedish singer. Some of his most notable collaborations have been with guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, symphonic metallers Therion and doom metallers Candlemass. In 2011, due to family issues on the part of Firewind's lead singer Apollo, Levén was called in to substitute for the rest of their European tour. He also started touring with Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 2016. In 2019, he released his first solo album under the name Skyblood. In 2022, he became a member of Vandenberg which is led by the well known guitarist, Adrian Vandenberg.
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is the debut studio album by Swedish doom metal band Candlemass, released on 10 June 1986 by Black Dragon Records.
Nightfall is the second studio album by Swedish doom metal band Candlemass, released on 9 November 1987 through Axis Records. After being dropped from the label Black Dragon Records, Candlemass were the first band signed to Axis. The group had a new line-up from their previous album including vocalist Messiah Marcolin, whose decisions became instrumental during the production and release stages of the album.
Tales of Creation is the fourth studio album by Swedish doom metal band Candlemass released on 25 September 1989. It was reissued in 2001 with a bonus CD.
Robert Lowe is an American singer.
Candlemass is the eighth studio album by Swedish doom metal band Candlemass, released on 3 May 2005 through Nuclear Blast Records. It is the band's last album to feature vocalist Messiah Marcolin.
Snowy Shaw is a Swedish heavy metal musician based in the port city of Gothenburg in the west coast of Sweden. He has played with many heavy metal bands, like King Diamond, Dream Evil, Mercyful Fate, IllWill, and Memento Mori.
Dactylis Glomerata is the sixth studio album by Swedish doom metal band Candlemass, released on 13 April 1998 through Music For Nations. This was their first album released since their split in 1994.
Memento Mori was a Swedish band that is mainly doom metal but has some power metal influences. The band was founded by Messiah Marcolin, Snowy Shaw and Mike Wead in 1992 after Messiah left Candlemass and Wead took a break from his other band Hexenhaus. After two albums, however, Messiah left the band because he was not credited as a song writer; Snowy Shaw also quit the band to work with the reunited Mercyful Fate. The third album was sung by Kristian Andrén who used to sing for Swedish Power Doom Metal band Tad Morose. Messiah returned for the fourth album entitled "Songs for the Apocalypse Vol IV" sadly without Snowy Shaw. Drum duties were taken over by fellow Swede and Memory Garden drummer Tom Bjorn.After that album, the band broke up. All albums were released by Black Mark.
This is a timeline documenting the events of heavy metal in the year 1992.
King of the Grey Islands is the ninth studio album by Swedish doom metal band Candlemass, released on 22 June 2007 through Nuclear Blast Records. It is the first album recorded following the departure of vocalist Messiah Marcolin, who left the band during the pre-production phase of the album. He was replaced by Robert Lowe, who would stay with the band until his departure in June 2012.
Sven Erik Herman Thomas Vikström is a Swedish singer best known for working with hard rock and heavy metal bands including doom metal bands Candlemass and power metallers Stormwind. He is the son of opera singer Sven-Erik Vikström. He is also a permanent vocalist for the symphonic metal band Therion.
Sorcerer is a Swedish epic doom metal band from Stockholm that was founded in 1988, disbanded in 1992 and re-formed in 2010.
