Candlemass is a Swedish epic doom metal band established in Stockholm in 1984 by bassist, songwriter and bandleader Leif Edling and drummer Matz Ekström The band had a defining influence on doom metal, and the genre itself is named after their debut album Epicus Doomicus Metallicus Along with Pentagram, Saint Vitus and Trouble, Candlemass has been referred to as one of the "big four of doom metal"After releasing five full-length albums and touring extensively throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Candlemass disbanded in 1994, but reunited three years later After breaking up again in 2002, Candlemass reformed in 2004 and have continued to record and perform since thenFormation and early career (1984–1990)After the breakup of his first band Nemesis, bassist Leif Edling started his own band under the name Candlemass with (session) vocalist Johan Längqvist, drummer Matz Ekström, guitarist Mats "Mappe" Bjorkman and Klas Bergwall Their first release, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus (1986), immediately secured their standing, positioning the band within metal circles, setting a milestone in the doom metal scene Following the band's debut album Längqvist was replaced by Messiah Marcolin By the time the band entered the studio to record their second effort, Nightfall, in 1987, Bergwall and Ekström had left the band Jan Lindh joined the band on drums, and Lars Johansson joined the band on guitars following the completion of the album
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