candlemass
18:43 Thursday, 13 March 2025
Swedish godfathers of epic doom Candlemass is set to celebrate their 40th anniversary with a four-track EP dubbed Black Star, due out May 9.
Black Star features two brand-new songs alongside two cover versions of timeless classics – Black Sabbath's iconic "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" and a rendition of Pentagram's classic "Forever My Queen". The EP will be available in various formats, including a strictly limited vinyl edition featuring a 12-page vinyl booklet, an A3 poster, and a tote bag. Pre-orders are available here.
"Not all bands get to see their 40th birthday and it certainly hasn't been an easy ride," said Candlemass mastermind Leif Edling. "But many ups and downs later, we stand here as survivors, veterans even… a bit scarred perhaps? Still ready though to unleash another piece of doom-laden metal upon an unsuspecting world. You have to do something when you turn 40, right? Anyway, as always, it's been fun recording some new stuff as well as covering a couple of old favorites."
Candlemass also has the following European tour dates lined up.
6/20 21 DE Daun Rengen Der Detze Rockt
6/25 NO Oslo Tons of Rock
7/4 TR Istanbul Headbangers Weekend
7/20 IT Cremona Luppolo In Rock Festival
7/30-8/2 NO Bergen Beyond the Gates Festival
8/8 FI Helsinki Helsinki Metal Festival
8/8 BE Kortrijk Alcatraz
9/12 GR Athens Rock Hard Festival
11/1 SE Stockholm Berns
12/6 UK Wolverhampton Bloodstock Winter Gathering
