For a Scandinavian band established in 1984, Candlemass’ ability to stay relevant and a major draw for events is quite remarkable. Seen by many as one of the pioneers of the epic doom metal genre, with Epicus Doomicus Metallicus being one of the most influential albums in all of metal music, Candlemass continues to command a very strong following into 2023.
The second half of 2022 proved to be a big one for Candlemass. It took a few years, with obvious circumstances being the mitigating factor, but the band finally followed up on 2019’s The Door to Doom with Sweet Evil Sun. In the run to its release, the group from Sweden released Scandinavian Gods, Sweet Evil Sun, and then When Death Sighs to ramp up anticipation for their grand return.
As it stands, the YouTube official music videos for Scandinavian Gods boast 160,000 views, Sweet Evil Sun is up to 102,000 views, and the official lyric video to When Death Sighs clocks in at 93,000 views currently. Along with the release of another official lyric video to the platform, Candlemass has also been revealed as the headline act for the infamous Bloodstock Open Air event taking place this summer.
Given their works throughout the band’s history on stage, in the recording studio, and beyond, it makes sense that they’re still in high demand. By the looks of it, 2023’s going to be another big year for Leif Edling, Mats Björkman, Johan Längqvist, Jan Lindh, and Lars Johansson.
Returning to the Candlemass roots
In September 2018, the band made a huge decision to move on from Mats Levén, who had been the band’s vocalist for six years, and come back to the man who lent his voice to the “Solitude” song and can take great credit for the success of their first album. With Längqvist back behind the mic, both of Candelmass’ more recent albums have gone down well, for the most part.
Although an interview with Invisible Oranges revealed that Längqvist didn’t partake much in the writing process as that’s mainly down to Leif, but the sessions were always open-minded and fun, the vocalist said. Still, him being on the tracks certainly kicks in the sense of nostalgia for listeners of the new album. Certainly fairly slow to build into the swing of things when taken as a whole, Sweet Evil Sun still manages to tap into what made the band so popular, particularly through the track “Goddess”.
In September 2018, the band made a huge decision to move on from Mats Levén, who had been the band’s vocalist for six years, and come back to the man who lent his voice to the “Solitude” song and can take great credit for the success of their first album. With Längqvist back behind the mic, both of Candelmass’ more recent albums have gone down well, for the most part.
Although an interview with Invisible Oranges revealed that Längqvist didn’t partake much in the writing process as that’s mainly down to Leif, but the sessions were always open-minded and fun, the vocalist said. Still, him being on the tracks certainly kicks in the sense of nostalgia for listeners of the new album. Certainly fairly slow to build into the swing of things when taken as a whole, Sweet Evil Sun still manages to tap into what made the band so popular, particularly through the track “Goddess”.
A big year for Candlemass merchandise and products
Particularly in the rock and metal genres, merchandise is a big part of the experience. The Napalm Records Shop has also gone big to produce the Sweet Evil Sun Deluxe Vinyl Box for its store. Released on November 18, it costs $69.99 and is limited to 500 copies. Within the two-LP album, you get a clear purple marbled vinyl as well as the bonus 12’’ Maxi Single, a woven patch, postcards, stickers, and a 20-page booklet.
There’s also been a resurgence in interest in Candlemass’ previous works. Perhaps the more off-beat of their works to increase in popularity of late is the House of Doom slot game made in collaboration with Play’n GO. It stars the titular song from the band and is set in a distinctly doom-metal scene. Being available at the sites that rank fifth and sixth overall for the top online slots Canada has to offer, House of Doom has some tough competition but manages to stand out thanks to its ties to the iconic group. There’s even a sequel to the big-hit slot due to its success.
It seems inevitable that people coming back to the band’s music with the release of Sweet Evil Sun – as well as those newly introduced to Candlemass through their recent activity – will also explore their special video releases. Since 2002, Candlemass have released four DVDs showcasing the band behind the scenes, on tour, and when crafting new music. If you can find them, Documents of Doom, The Curse of Candlemass, Candlemass 20-Year Anniversary, and Ashes to Ashes Live are all worth a watch.
Candlemass live around the world in 2023
The big announcement to emerge at the end of January this year came from the Bloodstock Open Air festival. Taking place from August 10 to 13, the UK festival will take place at Catton Park and bring out Candlemass as its headline act. They’ll be taking to the Sophie Lancaster Stage to thrill the doom metal crowds on Friday. During the event, fans will also see the Canadian band Striker, Gaerea from Portugal, and UK’s own Skin Failure. Over on the Ronnie James Dio Stage, there’ll be Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, and Meshuggah.
Those Bloodstock Open Air dates line up well with all of the dates for Candlemass’ upcoming live shows in the US and Europe. From March 10 to March 17, they have six dates down the west coast, from Seattle to San Diego. By April 8, Candlemass will be in Germany, and then at Sweden’s Muskelrock in June, Hellfest in France two weeks later, and then Oslo for Tons of Rock on June 24. Simply put: Candlemass have a lot of gigs on the docket for 2023.
Few active bands are as genre-defining as Candlemass, so the band’s doing well with its long-term and new fans by not only putting out new work but also attending events around the US and Europe in the spring and summer. While the band has some good momentum right now and has evidently been busy in the studio, people will wonder how much longer Candlemass will keep going, so 2023 looks to be the prime time to finally go and see them if you haven’t done so already.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.