CANDLEMASS celebrate their 40th anniversary with the new EP Black Star, which will be released on May 9, 2025 via Napalm Records. Sweden’s epic doom grandmasters present two brand new songs and two cover versions of timeless classics, once again confirming their legendary status.
After four decades of band history, the Grammy-nominated formation around mastermind Leif Edling is still one of the heaviest metal bands in the universe. Black Star also captivates with a heavy, oppressive sound in the finest CANDLEMASS style. The EP will be available in several formats, including a strictly limited vinyl edition.
CANDLEMASS mastermind Leif Edling comments:
„Not every band reaches its 40th birthday – and our path has been anything but easy. But after all the ups and downs, here we are today: as survivors, as veterans… maybe a little scarred, but unbroken and ready to present another batch of doom metal to the world. You have to do something when you turn 40, right? It’s been fun creating new music and covering some all-time favorites.“
The title song and new track „Black Star“ combines haunting melodies with intense lyrics, brought to life by the voice of singer Johan Länquist. The lyrics by mastermind and songwriter Leif Edling deal with topics such as existential struggles, temptations and the fascination of the dark. He fully immerses himself in the intense atmosphere of the band’s unmistakable sound. The second new track, „Corridors Of Chaos“, is a purely instrumental number that combines classic metal riffing with the intricate guitar playing of Lars Johansson and highlights CANDLEMASS‘ extra class in terms of dynamics. CANDLEMASS also deliver a cover version of Black Sabbath’s legendary „Sabbath Bloody Sabbath“, catapulting their listeners back to 1973. The interpretation of the Pentagram classic „Forever My Queen“ rounds off Black Star in a fitting manner and fuels the anticipation for the next decades of doom metal dominance!
To get you in the mood, you can find the new anniversary trailer HERE:
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