Sine Qua Nons... about Candlemass...

"Bewitched by delight, you'll reach the night.
Dancing and singing to my fiddle... " - Bewitched

Candlemass, a band from Sweden and the founders of what came to be known as doom metal, was created in 1985 by a man named Leif Edling after the disbandment of his previous group, Nemesis. Leif was CM's bass player and primary songwriter.  Their first album, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, I am not familiar with. For the second album, Nightfall, vocalist Messiah Marcolin joined the band. He remained with Candlemass through their next two albums, Ancient Dreams and Tales of Creation, as well as a live album. His powerful, operatic style renders wonderfully songs such "Solitude," "Darkness in Paradise," and "Mourner's Lament."

Candlemass lyrics are somewhat unique from other bands: Although darkness and isolation are common themes, they also touch on things like angels, redemption and the struggle between good and evil. A compilation of their best songs, As it Is, As it Was was released in 1994. If you are new to the band and do not wish to purchase several CDs but would like to own a sample of their music, I highly recommend this 2-CD set if you can find it. (I purchased it at an import-store.)

Messiah left CM, and went on to a band called Memento Mori, which I have yet to hear but have been told is quite good. CM made one album after the Live album, with a different singer that I have also not heard. Recently Leif Edling reformed Candlemass, and this year their new album Dactylis Glomerata was released.

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