There is the big four of thrash, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer. There is also the big four of doom which has been listed as Pentagram, Trouble, Saint Vitus, and Candlemass. Candlemass is arguably the favorite out of those four for most doom connoisseurs. Candlemass is celebrating its 40th year anniversary with EP Black Mass which was released on May 9th, 2025 through Napalm Records. The EP has two new songs and two covers; Black Sabbath’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” and Pentagram’s “Forever My Queen”.
Candlemass began in 1984 with bassist and songwriter Leif Edling. He brought on Johan Lanquist as a vocalist early on. The band has taken some twists and turns with members leaving, new members coming on, and members returning after some years. Even through these changes, Candlemass has remained consistent and impressive. The biggest album has remained the 1986 release, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus which features original and returning vocalist, Lanquist. Other members with this current EP release are: Lars Johansson (lead guitar), Mappe Bjorkman (rhythm guitar), and Janne Lind (drums). I highly encourage you all to check out, Black Star.
Johan was kind enough to sit down with Metal Nation and discuss this EP release. (If you are viewing from your phone, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click “View Desktop Version” to gain video and interview access).