INTERVIEW: CANDLEMASS IN CONVERSATION WITH JOHAN LÄNGQVIST
Interview by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
Forty-two years into their remarkable career, Candlemass continue to stand as one of the original and true pillars of epic doom metal. And remarkably, the Swedish heavy metal legends will make their long-awaited Australian mainland debut later this year.
“Well, it’s not strictly a debut,” explained Johan Längqvist. “We actually came and did a special gig in Tasmania. Candlemass played at that Dark Mofo at MONA event in 2019. It was really cool! Tasmania was great.”
So, the Australian mainland debut tour will see Candlemass perform headline shows in Melbourne and Sydney before appearing as the headline act at the Armageddoom 8 festival in Perth for the first time. For Australian fans, the shows represent a rare opportunity to see and hear the band that has influenced multiple generations of heavy music bands and musicians.
“It is great to see so many different people at our concerts now,” mused Johan Längqvist. “The generations are changing over. There are not so many older people now. The youngsters have taken their place, and it is them who will carry forward the legacy of the band and its music. It is amazing they know all the lyrics.”
Candlemass was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in late 1984 by Leif Edling (bass) and Matz Ekström (drummer). The group emerged directly from the ashes of Leif Edling's earlier heavy metal/doom band, Nemesis. The current line-up of Candlemass coming to Australia is Leif Edling (bass), Lars “Lasse” Johansson (lead guitar), Jan Lindh (drums), Mats “Mappe” Björkman (rhythm guitar), and Johan Längqvist (vocals).
“We are so looking forward to coming to Australia,” said Johan Längqvist. “It’s a tight schedule, but we really want to see the fans and play live. As a band, our performance style is pretty straight. There are no big fires or any of that stuff we are old school. What you see is what you get. We concentrate on getting our sound right. Our sound guy is the sixth member of the band he is so important to us and to Candlemass’s sound.”
“The setlist is going to take some work,” Johan Längqvist considered thoughtfully. “We understand that fans will have favourite eras. And there is 40 years of demand. It’s very hard for us to do the setlists because we have so many albums and so many classics. But we know there will be a focus on the first three albums: ‘Epicus Doomicus Metallicus’ (1986), ‘Nightfall’ (1987), and ‘Ancient Dreams’ (1988), and maybe some songs from ‘Black Star’ (2025).”
Candlemass have, and do, consistently delivered classic, crushing dark metal of the highest order, with drums that pound and guitar solos that don’t quit. As the band celebrates all those years together, there is still plenty for fans to look forward to. The band’s absolutely fantastic 2025 ‘Black Star’ EP proved that the flame is still burning.
“There are still records to be made, territories to be conquered,” stated Johan Längqvist. “A new album is being written and is on the way. After our time in Australia, we will be touring back in Sweden with Opeth at the open-air theatre located in a former limestone quarry in Dalhalla. And we’ll keep on doing this until we can’t do it anymore.”
“I feel the rush of time,” confided Johan Längqvist. “I want to do as much as possible now. Time is passing by fast. I am a songwriter myself away from Candlemass. I have recorded my solo album in 2025 ‘The Castle’ by Johan Längqvist – me – and I am so proud of that work as well”. And Johan Längqvist should be proud of his critically acclaimed work: both solo and with Candlemass.
Candlemaniacs will need to have booked those tickets, hotels and flights, as this looks to be one of those tours you do not want to miss.
Candlemass is heading to Australia for their historic tour this September and October 2026. The band is only stopping in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, and they are bringing with them: Mammon's Throne. See the dates below:
Wednesday 30 September 2026 at The Corner, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 1 October 2026 at Liberty Hall, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 3 October 2026 at The Rosemount Hotel (Armageddoom 8), Perth, WA
