Exciting news for doom metal enthusiasts: Candlemass is set to reunite with their legendary vocalist, Messiah Marcolin, for a special one-time performance at the Rock Hard Festival in Athens, Greece, scheduled for September 12-13, 2025. This marks the first time in over two decades that Marcolin will share the stage with the band.
A Look Back at the Candlemass and Marcolin Legacy
Candlemass first joined forces with Marcolin in 1987, following the release of their debut album, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, which featured Johan Längqvist on vocals. Marcolin’s powerful and operatic voice became a defining element of the band’s sound, contributing to seminal albums such as Nightfall (1987), Ancient Dreams (1988), and Tales of Creation (1989). Despite parting ways in 1991, the band and Marcolin reunited in the early 2000s, resulting in the acclaimed self-titled album Candlemass in 2005, which earned them a Swedish Grammy for Best Hard Rock Album.
The Upcoming Reunion Performance
The Rock Hard Festival Greece’s official announcement highlights the significance of this reunion: “This will be the first (and only) time in over 20 years that Messiah has performed live with the band.” Fans have expressed their excitement, with comments like, “That’s awesome. I wish to see a few more European dates announced!!!” and “OMG!!!!!!!!! FINALLY MESSIAH!!!!!” flooding social media.
Event Details
The festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, will feature a diverse lineup, including performances by The Crypt, Gus G. and friends, and Conception’s Roy Khan and Tore Østby, among others. The reunion of Candlemass with Messiah Marcolin is anticipated to be the highlight of the event, offering fans a rare opportunity to witness this iconic collaboration.
Looking Ahead
While this performance is currently billed as a one-time event, the enthusiasm surrounding it has sparked hope among fans for potential future collaborations. As the festival dates approach, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a historic moment in doom metal history.
