It was a big shock for a lot of Doom- and especially CANDLEMASS-fans to see charismatic frontman Messiah Marcolin leave the band (again) before his vocal parts for “King Of The Grey Islands” were even recorded. But Leif Edling and his Doom gang didn`t wait long with sensationally good news for their brokenhearted fans: Robert Lowe, himself a living legend in the slow-motion Metal realms as vocalist for Texan outfit SOLITUDE AETURNUS, joined CANDLEMASS to lend his unique timbre to 10 new compositions. This turns “King Of The Grey Islands” not only into the newest masterpiece in the discography of the Swedes, but also confronts the listener with the ultimate Doom Metal supergroup!
Many listeners might be unaware that on CANDLEMASS` groundbreaking debut album “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” (which gave a name to a whole subgenera) the vocal duties were not covered by Messiah but by Johan Langquist. Messiah joined Black Sabbath enthusiast Leif Edling and
mehr....
the rest of the crew in time for their second effort, the immortal and epic “Nightfall”.
The density of all-time favourites such as “Dark Are The Veils Of Death”, “Bewitched” or “The Well Of Souls” on the 1987 album was, and still remains, breathtaking.
After the release of 1989`s concept album “Tales Of Creation”, Messiah left the band for the first time. The two “comeback” albums “Dactylis Glomerata” and “From The 13th Sun” were recorded with different vocalists and saw the band experimenting with new moods and styles.
The reunion with Messiah, who rejoined the band in 2002 for a legendary tour and more memorable shows, didn`t last long: shock and dismay hit the scene once again in 2004 as the next split occurred. Marcolin returned for the self-titled, massive “Candlemass” album which marked the band`s debut with Nuclear Blast. This opus embraced both a heavy, modern sound and the timeless CANDLEMASS trademarks that has won legions of fans since the bands early days in the mid eighties.
The band`s ninth effort, “King Of The Grey Islands”, continues the path of the last album.
The master of Doom, Leif Edling himself, 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!!”
Robert Lowe`s soaring and melancholic voice gives the songs the ultimate Epic Doom touch that fits the timeless compositions of Leif Edling just perfect. The infectiously catchy “Devil Seed”, the beautifully melodic “Of Stars and Smoke” and the straightforward riffmonster “Clearsight” – everything you ever loved about CANDLEMASS is packed into “King Of The Grey Islands”! The Swedes are back with a vengeance – prepare yourself for a true Epic Doom classic!!!!
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