Candlemass
This Swedish doom metal quintet formed in 1985. Comprising Messiah Marcolin (vocals), Lars Johansson (guitar), Mats Bjorkman (guitar), Leif Edling (bass) and Jan Lindh (drums), their style combined elements of Black Sabbath, Black Widow and Mercyful Fate. Marcolin's eccentric appearance gave the band a visual focus; dressed in a monk's habit, his deep, bellowing tones added a touch of mystique to their live performances. NIGHTFALL, their most accomplished work, fused crushing rhythms with delicate, neo-classical interludes to startling effect. TALES OF CREATION saw the band afforded a larger recording budget with new label Music For Nations. However, their approach had become rather formularized by this stage, and although the album was technically superior to earlier efforts, the songs left a distinct feeling of déjà-vu. A live album followed in an attempt to recapture lost ground. It appears that the band are trapped in a creative cul de sac, while their initial followers continue to move on to other things. A situation doubtless grasped by Marcolin when he left in 1991, to be replaced by Thomas Wilkstrom (ex-Talk Of The Town).