candlemass_2010_12

» Candlemass 2010 12 18

Reviewed by Tobbe
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City: Stockholm, Sweden
Venue: Debaser Medis
Date: 18 December 2010
Set length: 125 minutes

Candlemass

There were high anticipations for this 25 years anniversary gig, where Candlemass had announced that they were going to play their debut album, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, in its intirety with long gone singer Johan Längquist.

Candlemass enters the stage during their intro Marche Funebre and you could see that they were very focused on this gig. The intro fades out into a scream when singer Robert Lowe enters the stage and they open their set with If I Ever Die from their latest release Death Magic Doom, followed by Hammer Of Doom, which turns into some sort of an anticlimax due to its low pace and the fact that the song isn't that good. The crowd was just getting warmed up, but now seems to be waiting for next song.

The crowds anticipations comes back to life again when a couple of hits are played from their early albums. The energy is back both on stage and on the floor. Jan is drumming better than ever and the men with the strings all do a great job. So is lead singer Rob, even though he has some problems with the lyrics.

This magnificent part of the show is followed by a 10 minute intermission behind curtains, when they are preparing for the highlight many came, to Debaser Medis on this Saturday night, for. People are coming from all over the world for this event. Brazilians, Americans and a bunch of people from all over Europe is present.

The curtains are going down and the Epicus-set is on. First up is, of course, Solitude and the crowd goes nuts. For many this is a dream come true, including me, even if Johan sang a couple of songs during the set on the 20 years anniversary for the release of Epicus Doomicus Metallicus back in 2007 at Kolingsborg in Stockholm. Johan nails the lyrics and his stage presence is awesome. A true professional. No one could imagine that he would do such a great job. When A Sorcerer's Pledge comes to an end, the crowd is close to exhaustion and gets a well deserved second intermission.

Candlemass enters the stage for the third time this night with an instrumental medley from Tales Of Creation and with Robert back on stage again they perform The Well Of Souls. The last song for this spectacular night is Rainbow's Stargazer. This cover song goes down well and the crowd seems pleased with the last couple of songs, even though most of us wanted and were waiting for more.

Voices to get Johan back in the band were heard, but personally I doubt he could pull off the newer songs as good as he performs the Epicus-songs. This show truly was an awesome performance from the band and it showed that they are still on top of their game.

8 chalices of 10

Setlist:

Marche Funebre
If I Ever Die
Hammer Of Doom
At The Gallows End
Mirror Mirror
Emperor Of The Void
Samarithan
-- Intermission 1--
Solitude
Demons Gate
Crystal Ball
Under The Oak
Black Stone Wielder
A Sorcerer's Pledge
--Intermission 2--
Instrumental Medley
The Well Of Souls
Stargazer