This year?s Rock Hard Festival Greece promises to be an extraordinary celebration of music, particularly because the iconic doom metal band Candlemass is set to reunite with their legendary vocalist Messiah Marcolin. This highly anticipated reunion marks a significant moment in the metal community and is sure to attract fans from all over, eager to witness this rare collaboration live.
Exciting Details and Fan Reactions to the Candlemass Reunion
Candlemass will be performing alongside a stellar lineup that includes The Crypt, Gus G. (and friends), and Conception?s Roy Khan and Tore ?stby, among others. As per the festival?s Facebook announcement on February 1, this performance will be the first time in over 20 years that Messiah has graced the stage with the band. Marcolin, whose full name is Bror Jan Alfredo Marcolin, officially parted ways with Candlemass for the second time in 2006. His last live contributions to the band were featured on the 2002 release Doomed for Live ? Reunion 2002 and the 2005 DVD The Curse of Candlemass.
Despite limited information regarding the reunion, anticipation among fans has reached a fever pitch. Following Candlemass? announcement on Instagram, followers expressed their excitement, with one fan commenting, ?That’s awesome. I wish to see a few more European dates announced!!!? Another exclaimed, ?OMG!!!!!!!!! FINALLY MESSIAH!!!!!? Such enthusiasm demonstrates the deep connection fans have with both the band and its iconic frontman.
You can view Candlemass? Instagram post below.
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Exploring the Rich History of Candlemass and Messiah Marcolin
Candlemass originally brought Marcolin into the fold after parting ways with vocalist Johan Längqvist, who had contributed to the band’s influential 1986 debut LP, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, though he was not a full-time member. Between 1987 and 1991, Marcolin made significant contributions to several studio albums, starting with the critically acclaimed Nightfall in 1987 and culminating with Tales of Creation in 1989. He was also featured on the live album Live released in 1990. His initial departure from Candlemass was due to personal differences with other band members, leading to his replacement by Thomas Vikström and later Björn Flodkvist.
Over the next decade, Candlemass continued to thrive, releasing three additional original albums: Chapter VI in 1992, Dactylis Glomerata in 1998, and From the 13th Sun in 1999. Meanwhile, Marcolin pursued various projects, co-founding the Swedish doom/power metal band Memento Mori alongside guitarists Snowy Shaw and Mike Wead. He also lent his vocal talents to the melodic death metal band Satariel, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
In 2002, the Nightfall-era lineup of Candlemass reunited for a series of live performances, which led to the release of the album Doomed for Live. The following year, this lineup produced their eighth studio album, simply titled Candlemass, which earned them a prestigious Swedish Grammy for Best Hard Rock Album in 2006. However, Marcolin departed from the band once again later that year, with the official statement indicating that ?the band have tried to solve the situation several times, but Messiah cannot be persuaded to sing on the new album [2007?s King of the Grey Islands].?
This led to a new chapter for Candlemass, with Robert Lowe stepping in as the new vocalist, followed by Mats Levén in 2012. Interestingly, Levén was then replaced by Längqvist in 2018, just in time to record 2019?s The Door to Doom. Meanwhile, Marcolin has collaborated with various artists, including Therion, Amon Amarth, and Portrait. Notably, he was also considered for the band Ghost during their formative years but chose to decline the offer.
Key Information About the Upcoming Rock Hard Festival Greece
The Rock Hard Festival Greece Facebook page has shared that 2025 will mark the 20th anniversary of Rock Hard Greece, prompting the organizers to expand the festival into a two-day event celebrating numerous international acts. This significant cultural event is scheduled to take place in Athens from September 12 to September 13, 2025, and fans can look forward to an exciting lineup.
For those eager to attend, more information about the festival will be available soon, along with ticket purchasing options. Are you excited about the reunion of Candlemass with Messiah Marcolin? Will you be attending the Rock Hard Festival Greece? We?d love to hear your thoughts!
