As pioneers of contemporary doom metal, Candlemass emerged during the 1980s with
a thick, heavy sound that made room for classical influences, operatic vocals,
and bombastic guitars. The group formed in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1982. Initially
known as "Nemesis," the group had adopted its permanent moniker by the time
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus marked Candlemass' official debut in 1986. Vocalist
Johan Längqvist left after its release and was replaced with Messiah Marcolin,
who appeared on 1987's Nightfall. Lineup changes became a permanent part of
Candlemass' existence, but the shif...