Swedish doom metal legends Candlemass have issued the following update:

"The new Candlemass EP Lucifer Rising is finally recorded and due for release first week of October. It features two brand new tracks 'Lucifer Rising' and 'White God'. It also contains a re-recorded version of 'Demon's Gate' live in the studio. As a bonus you will get most of the gig from Athens last year: 'At The Gallows End', 'Solitude', 'Emperor Of The Void', 'Devil Seed', 'Under The Oak', 'Mirror Mirror', 'Of Stars And Smoke', 'Black Dwarf' and 'Samarithan'. Yes, it is probably the worlds longest EP!!"

Source:	candlemass.se
Band profile:	Candlemass

Candlemass announced that the "Lucifer Rising" EP will be recorded in April with a scheduled September release through Nuclear Blast. The EP features two brand new tracks - "Lucifer Rising" and "The White God", plus a whole bunch of live tracks from the previous tour.

A new album will be recorded in autumn for a spring 2009 release.

Also, the following albums will be re-released in 2008 on Snapper/Peaceville:

Chapter VI (1992): March 31
Dactylis Glomerata (1998) + Abstrakt Algebra 2: May 26
From the 13th Sun (1999) (bonus tracks "Oil", "Nimis", "Rock'n'roll"): June 23
Live (1990) (bonus cd audio disc Dynamo Open Air 88): August 11

Source:	candlemass.se
Band profile:	Candlemass

According to a report from Realtid.se Candlemass guitarist Mats Björkman will spend two years in a Swedish prison, convicted of grand theft following an investigation that revealed that he and an accomplice stole CDs with a retail value of SEK 3 million (approximately $490,000) from the Entertainment Network Scandinavia AB warehouse, where the pair worked.

The full report can be found here (in Swedish). An English translation of the story can be found at this location.

UPDATED on 24 March:

Candlemass have issued the following statement: "Candlemass' answer to the crap that's been published lately is very simple: NOTHING HAS CHANGED!! The band will record the planned EP, "Lucifer Rising", in April WITH MAPPE... Candlemass will also tour the States WITH MAPPE in May and June and also record the follow up to "King Of The Grey Islands" this coming autumn WITH MAPPE!! Despite what's been said in the press the band is very optimistic about the future. 2008 and 2009 will be two great years for Candlemass. Don't believe everything you read!!"

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Source:	bravewords.com
Band profile:	Candlemass

The following update was posted on the Peaceville Records website:

"For this very special release, Sweden's own Candlemass perform at a recent show filmed in Kolingsborg in their home country, as a celebration of 20 years of the band's doomination of the metal world. This set features guest appearances from members of acts such as Therion & Grand Magus, also including Michael Akerfeldt from Opeth who joins the band onstage for a storming rendition of 'At the Gallows End'; all contributing to a set-list spanning the band's career to date.

The show was used as a live unveiling of new member Robert Lowe (from Solitude Aeturnus) - replacement for departing vocalist Messiah Marcolin.
Fans flew in from all over Europe, even as far as Australia to catch this momentous occasion for a night of melodic/heavy doom metal.

Candlemass has built a very long and prosperous career since their classic album, 1986's 'Epicus Doomicus Metallicus' and are cited as great influences on current leaders of the doom metal genre such as Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride.

The DVD includes band interviews and a whole load of additional footage, coming in at over 3 hours of top doom metal from this most celebrated of acts."

20 Year Anniversary Party tracklisting [cover]:

01. The Dying Illusion
02. Dark Are The Veils Of Death
03. Where The Runes Still Speak
04. Ebony Throne
05. Well Of Souls
06. Black Dwarf
07. At The Gallows End
08. Demonia 6
09. Samarithan
10. Mirror Mirror
11. Crystal Ball
12. Demons Gate
13. Under The Oak
14. A Sorcerers Pledge
15. Witches
16. Bullfest
17. Solitude

Extras:
50 minute special with backstage footage & interviews

Source:	peaceville.com
Band profile:	Candlemass

Malevolent Creation's upcoming album "Doomsday X" is available for streaming in its eternity at MP3.com here.
This new album will be released in the US on July 17 via Nuclear Blast Records and in Europe on August 24 via Massacre Records. "Doomsday X" was recorded and engineered at Mercury Recording Studios in Pompano Beach.

"Doomsday X" tracklisting:

01. Deliver My Enemy
02. Cauterized
03. Culture Of Doubt
04. Strength In Numbers
05. Hollowed
06. Unleash Hell
07. Dawn Of Defeat
08. Upon Their Cross
09. Bio Terror
10. Buried In A Nameless Grave
11. Prelude To Doomsday

Also Candlemass' latest album "King Of The Grey Islands" can be streamed in its eternity on MP3.com. The album will be released on July 17th in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. You can listen to the album at this location.

"King Of The Grey Islands" tracklisting:

01. Prologue
02. Emperor Of The Void
03. Devil Seed
04. Of Stars And Smoke
05. Demonia 6
06. Destroyer
07. Man Of Shadows
08. Clearsight
09. The Opal City
10. Embracing The Styx

Source:	mp3.com
Band profile:	Malevolent Creation

An e-card for the new Candlemass album, "King of the Grey Islands", has been posted at this location.
You can find on this e-card audio samples of all tracks that are set to appear on "King of the Grey Islands" which will be released on June 22 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Also you can find more long samples for 'Devil Seed', 'Of Stars And Smoke', 'Clearsight' and 'Embracing The Styx' at the Myspace page of the band here.

"King Of The Grey Islands" track list:

01. Prologue
02. Emperor Of The Void
03. Devil Seed
04. Of Stars And Smoke
05. Demonia 6
06. Destroyer
07. Man Of Shadows
08. Clearsight
09. The Opal City
10. Embracing The Styx

Source:	musicbay.se
Band profile:	Candlemass

Swedish doomsters Candlemass will release their new album "King Of The Grey Islands", on June 22 through Nuclear Blast Records.
A picture of the cover art can be found here. The track listing for the 9th studio album is as follows:

01. Prologue
02. Emperor Of The Void
03. Devil Seed
04. Of Stars And Smoke
05. Demonia 6
06. Destroyer
07. Man Of Shadows
08. Clearsight
09. The Opal City
10. Embracing The Styx

Bassist Leif Edling had the following to say about the concept behind the 10 new tracks: "The album is a concept story about depression and suicide in the modern society. The road to ruin for "many kings of grey islands" that can't stand the everyday life, and want to do something about it. No need to say this is Candlemass' black album!!"

You can read more info about the album at this location.

Source:	nuclearblast.de
Band profile:	Candlemass

Three months after the departure of former singer Messiah Marcolin, Candlemass have announced Robert Lowe of Solitude Aeturnus fame as new vocalist. The official statement reads as follows:

"After months of auditions it is now official who replaces Messiah Marcolin in Candlemass. Robert Lowe, well known for his work with Solitude Aeturnus, is the man who killed all the competition and showed that he beyond doubt is the most capable man for the job. A worthy successor!!

Robert will still be fronting SA, but since there's a whole ocean between the bands, we/Candlemass, feel that this is a great solution that is very beneficial for everybody. The mighty voice from Dallas Texas, is thrown into the fire immediately and is starting the vocal work on the new Candlemass album in a matter of days. Candlemass are sure that the words "amazing" and "incredible" will be used to describe the result! Candlemass would also like to thank all the gifted singers who applied for the job. Many talents from all over the world have been heard. We are sure that they will continue to be heard for a long time, but not in Candlemass. The band have finally found the ideal replacement for Messiah Marcolin - Robert Lowe! The new album will KILL!!"

Source:	candlemass.se
Band profile:	Candlemass

Candlemass are currently looking for a new singer since they recently parted ways with Messiah. Preferably swedish but the band will consider all options.

You are over 25, you love metal and doom, got a fantastic voice, sound great both in a high and low range.
You got studio and live experience, and it's of course also important that you are a good frontman.
You are easy to work with, democratic, good listener with a positive attitude. A healthy sense of humour is also a plus!

If you think you are the man for Candlemass, email your links and info to the address below and make sure you got at least three songs for the band to listen to + photo and some info about you.
You can email your links and info to voice@candlemass.se up to Christmas (Note, do not send mp3s or other large files! Only links to files on the web!). The band will take the time to find the perfect voice for Candlemass.

Source:	candlemass.se
Band profile:	Candlemass

Swedish doom metallers, Candlemass have posted the following extensive update via the band's homepage:

"You have heard the rumours and it is with a heavy heart we must make this official. The band have tried to solve the situation several times, but Messiah cannot be persuaded to sing on the new album. His attitude and demands are way too unreasonable.
I'm very sorry about this, not surprised though.
We have all been very disappointed with Messiahs behaviour during the previous years reunion, especially with his childish and undemocratic way to "discuss" matters before the may recording at Polar in Stockholm. It's not cool when one person refuses to listen to other people, don't give a shit about his bandmates and demands special treatment.
Sure, a little bit of primadonna vices is allowed in a band. But when it comes to the extent that its "my way or the highway" in every little discussion that comes up, it is not fun anymore. We like the thought of five equal metalheads playing together, having fun in the rehearsalroom, at gigs etc. That's the whole point of it if you ask us. Unfortunately negativity and stupidity have been dictating the rules for Candlemass lately.

We hope you all can understand how disappointed we are. And angry! Disappointed with the fact that a grown man can behave so badly towards others - his friends - and for such a long time. And so easily, when he doesn't get everything he wants, throws it all away. We're still in chock! We never thought it was possible for somebody in this great band to have such a bad attitude towards his bandmates!
We are also angry that we have bought the shit for so long. Been fucked over so much, so many times since the reunion 2002. It's really shameful!
It only took a couple of gigs to understand that Messiah wasn't back to make friends, so we have fought hard to keep this together for you - our fans. It's been a rough ride, but when you stand in front of 200 or 2000 or even 20 000 screaming fans it's worth all trouble.

And yes, it was close that last album didn't include Messiah, but we made it happen because we love this music and we love that you guys love us!! But it was the last album with Messiah Marcolin on vocals. We can't deal with the big man anymore. Sorry!!
We tried to reason with him before the recording of the new one but Messiahs behaviour was beyond the acceptable. Mr Marcolin has been too much to take and the reasons behind his departure from Candlemass are not very flattering for him. No details, sorry....too embarrassing.......

Read more ››

Source:	candlemass.se
Band profile:	Candlemass

Candlemass returned to the Stockholm Polar studio this weekend to add one song to the forthcoming album. The brutally heavy "Of Stars And Smoke" was put down with ease and in a very releaxed working environment. Since the new album wont be out until next year, there is no need to rush things and the band can take their time to make it a perfect doom metal album.

Mappe Björkman commented: "Of Stars And Smoke" definatley had a vibe of "Epicus..." around it. It sent fucking chills down my spine".

Candlemass frontman Messiah Marcolin contacted Blabbermouth.net on April 28, 2006 to reveal that he has parted ways with the group and that it's 100 percent definite that he will not return. "We could not agree on how to do the new album," he said, but would not further elaborate on his sudden exit.

Read more ››

Source:	blabbermouth.net
Band profile:	Candlemass

It's ready at last, the second Candlemass DVD!!

Filmed at Stockholm Klubben nov 2003, it contains the entire Candlemass show from the legendary evening with Force of Evil and Trouble, sharing the same stage with the kings of doom. The sound and editing is awesome and Candlemass bombs out classics as "Well of souls" and "Gallows end", in front of an enthusiastic crowd, together with more rare gems as "A cry from the crypt" and "Black Stone Weilder". Setlist: "Demons Gate", "Dark Reflections", "Well of Souls", "Into the Unfathomed Tower", "Ancient Dreams", "The Bells of Acheron", "Witches", "Mirror Mirror", "A Cry From the Crypt", "Mourners Lament", "Black Stone Weilder", "Solitude", "Gallows End".

Bonus material: A one hour interview with the band, and nearly an hour worth of rare live cuts 1987 - 1993.

The "Curse of Candlemass " DVD will be out on Escapi Music Entertainment sept 26.

Source:	candlemass.se
Band profile:	Candlemass

The proposed European tour featuring reformed Swedish doom metal legends CANDLEMASS alongside CATHEDRAL and GRAND MAGUS has been officially called off. "Unfortunately, it was rather clear we couldn't get the finances together so we had to say no to that one. Bummer!!" stated CANDLEMASS bassist Leif Edling. Read Edling's latest tour report, featuring entries on the band's recent appearances at the Göteborgskalaset and Wacken Open Air festivals, at Candlemass.se.

CANDLEMASS are continuing to tour in support of their brand-new self-titled album, which entered the Swedish national album chart at position No. 7 upon its release in early May. The CD also came in at No. 5 on the Sweden chart (featuring only Swedish artists) and at No. 1 on the Hard Rock/Metal chart.

Reunited Swedish doom legends Candlemass will celebrate the release of their new self-titled album with a free hometown show on May 4 at O-Baren in Stockholm, Sweden. Doors open at 10:00 p.m. and the band will hit the stage at 11:00 p.m.

Due on May 2 via Nuclear Blast Records, "Candlemass" was recorded in part at Polar studios (Abba, Genesis, Led Zeppelin) in Stockholm, Sweden and is said to be musically similar to the group's classic "Tales of Creation" and "Nightfall" albums.

"Candlemass" (view cover [url="http://shop.nuclearblast.de/details.php?artikelnr=128930"]here[/url]) track listing:

01. Enemy (intro)
02. Black Dwarf
03. Seven Silver Keys
04. Assassin of the Light
05. Copernicus
06. The Man Who Fell from the Sky
07. Witches
08. Born In A Tank
09. Spellbreaker
10. The Day and the Night
11. Mars and Volcanoes (digipack bonus track)

Band profile:

Candlemass

Nuclear Blast have announced that CANDLEMASS, the Swedish Doomsquad around Leif Edling and Messiah Marcolin, have signed a new deal with the label.

After their return two years ago at several summer festivals, the band is more alive than ever. Although several rumours were spread that the band had split up again, Candlemass was in fact working on a new doompiece.

The new Candlemass album will be released on May 2nd and marks a return towards the band's classic sound of such albums like Nightfall and Tales Of Creation.

The album will be self titled.

Source:	bravewords.com
Band profile:	Candlemass