During December 2025, Candlemaniacs were invited to submit questions directly to Candlemass. The questions below were answered by members of the band and originally published as the first issue of the Candlemaniacs Webzine on December 24, 2025.
As the Candlemaniacs Webzine has now been retired, this Q&A has been preserved here on the official Candlemaniacs forum as part of the band's history.
Many thanks to everyone who submitted questions, and especially to Leif Edling, Lars Johansson and the rest of Candlemass for taking the time to answer them.
Feel free to continue discussing any of the topics by replying in this thread.
1. Is there any footage of the "from the 13th sun" studio sessions? did any song from that album ever played live?
Asked by Ricardo Siqueira
Answer (Leif):
I think there are some photos from the recording, but no moving ones.-) We did some live shows and I know there's okay live footage from one of the shows.
2. For Janne and Lars: what do you do on your free time?!?!?!
Asked by El idiota de Nesoja
Answer (Lars):
I Spend a lot of time with my wife, exploring architecture and watching movies.
3. To each current member of Candlemass, write me your top 5 albums of all time.
Asked by Giorgos Glinavos
Answer (Leif):
The first 5 Sabbath records of course! Closely followed by Trouble, Pentagram, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Venom, Iron Maiden, Anvil, Accept, Manowar, Angelwitch, Manilla Road etc etc etc...
4. Hi, ive always wondered what gear was used to record guitars on Epicus and Nightfall, I dig those tones and have always wanted to know what amps/pedals or guitars used on those records. Thanks!
Asked by Gavin
Answer (Lars):
Modded Behringer amp and 2Tokai Statocasters
5. Hello Candlemass, how do you find inspiration to make new music after 40 years of making so e of the greatest Doom albums ever ?
Asked by Morten S. Sørensen
Answer (Leif):
Hey Morten! Hope you saw the gig in Roskilde this weekend:-) We still have fun on stage and together, so I think that's the sectret to success. For us anyway. We still have fun!
6. Will you ever play Western Canada?
Asked by Dalton
Answer (Leif):
There's actuallt talk about Canada this year. So don't be surprised if we play a venue near you (well..it's Canada:-) later this year!
7. Why the name “Candlemass”?
Asked by Franzi
Answer (Leif):
Sounds heavy and epic! It's also one of the churches feasts held on feb 2:nd.
8. Hello! Im a 17yo dudefrom greece and i saw you live for the like billionth time this September with messiah, that was great love you guys, can i have a signed record? Hahah thats about it, thanks for everything bye bye
Asked by PakPak the greek
Answer (Leif):
Would have loved to send you a signed record. We're all out of those I'm afraid, especially the limited edition pic discs that were sold at the show feat Messiah in Athens. Cool you were there. Good show!
9. What was it like to play a last concert with Messiah? how did you feel about performing with him again and sharing the old emotions
Asked by Jada
Answer (Leif):
It was both fun and a bit strange. Haven't been on stage with him for 20 years and there he is, the legend! But he did a great job and the crowd went wild so it was one for the memory books. Definately!
10. What are the inspirations of Candlemass? This question is not strictly referring to exclusively music, but is also open to other forms of media.
Asked by Silly Allen
Answer (Leif):
Inspirations for Candlemass? Hmmm..besides all the bands mentioned earlier, it was films like "Prince of Darkness", "The Beyond", "Conan" etc..early fantasy and horror was very inspirational to us.
11. Salutations and good evening, gentlemen. My question is: are you guys going to transfer/digitalize/fix your digital streaming platform discography in future re-releases or tiems? There are a few mistakes about some songs and or albums (repeated or wrong named songs) and tracks which have been vinyl or cd exclusive for years I’ve been waiting to listen to (legally hahaha).
Asked by Soulinger
Answer (Leif):
Yeah, agreee, that would be a good thing to do. My problem is and have been for some time, that I'm still burned out, and these things take a loong time to do. To work for Candlemass and keep the band going takes up most of my daily energy. Can't do the extra i'm afraid. Maybe some day when there's not so much job with all the e-mails and live shows and songwriting. Maybe you can do the update on that for me:-)
12. How’d you like İstanbul and will you be coming back?
Asked by TShirt Boy
Answer (Leif):
Istanbul was Greeat! Good show there and amazing fans! We had a brilliant weekend in Istanbul and we would love to come back:-)
13. You guys have inspired a lot of bands since your early beginning. Have you ever heard someone clearly influenced by you - just doing it even BETTER?
Asked by Magnhild, Norway
Answer (Leif):
BLACK SABBATH!!! Hahahahaha!!
14. What is all your guy's favorite movies?
Asked by Korey/Metel
Answer (Leif):
Maybe "Apocalypse Now"?
15. Have you ever considered turning Epicus Doomicus Metallicus into a book? Connecting the stories of its lyrics into one story/novel? If not, would you potentially support a fan that would (with your permission) make such an attempt?
Asked by Thanos
Answer (Leif):
Not a bad idea. If you wanna do that, go ahead:-) If you do this and send it in, maybe we can publish it on our homepage?
16. Hi! I wanted to write because Candlemass has been one of the most important bands in my life for years. When the show in Warsaw was announced, I bought my ticket immediately and had been counting down the days with huge excitement. Seeing you live has always been a dream for me. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, I won’t be able to attend the concert. It truly breaks my heart to miss it, especially after waiting for so long. I wanted to ask if there’s a chance you might return to Poland next year. It would mean the world to me to finally see you live and feel the energy of your music in person. Thank you for your understanding and for everything you give to your fans.
Asked by _Sandi_666
Answer (Leif):
I'm sorry you couldn't attend the show in the end. It was a great sold out show and we had lots of fun on stage! A trule great evening in Warzaw and the only thing missing was You! But, we are now in contact with the promoter and it seems that he is interested in having us back. SO, I wouldn't be surprised if we are back next year to a stage near you my friend:-)
17. What's the story behind that one photo of The Great Kat signing Messiah's chest?
Asked by Alex
Answer (Leif):
That was a long time ago! But I think we had a night out in New York, me, Messiah, Monte Conner and Sutherland (can't remember the first name right now. Donald, Kiefer?). I think we had a couple of drinks then Monte called The Great Kat if she could join. She was living in a nearby hotel, so we tried to drag her out of there to go to a bar but she didn't wanna go out. In the end we partied a bit there, played some records, she signed Messiahs stomach, more drinks, photos, and that was it. We probably went to some bar after but I can't remember much more than this hahahaha!
18. any advice you can give to anyone wanting to start a band
Asked by T
Answer (Leif):
Don't give up even if it seems hopeless! Success never comes to quitters!
19. Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is such a unique unreplicable classic of a metal album. What are your guys' favorite/most memorable/emorable/interesting stories or moments from the writing/recording/making of the album?
Asked by EpicusDoomicusMetallicusFan976
Answer (Leif):
Difficult question. The entire process was memorable and for different reasons. But at this very moment, I think about Ragne, and his gear that we borrowed and the old white Marshalls had dust and some cobwebs here and there hahaha! Guess he hadn't used them for a while, hehe...But the Wahlqvist brothers were pretty active there in Thunderoad. Bands were there and recorded demos, so did Heavy Load. They even through us out once during the recording of Epicus because they needed the studio! They owned the studio + gave us a good price, so nothing you can do really when the boss needs the place hahahaha!
20. Are you guys involved in any other projects/bands except Candlemass? We had albums from Zoic, Creozoth, Krux, etc in the past, is there any chance of something new from these bands or maybe something new? Another question, do you play any other instrument except the one we already know? Thank you guys
Asked by Petros "EpicMetal" Hadjianastasis
Answer (Leif):
No more Krux in the pipeline for me, but I really don't know reg the other guys except Johan. His band "The Castle" just released an album and they are going to start playing live soon. That's what I heard. Think there will be updates on the Candlemass homepage.
21. What’s your favorite Trouble song(s)
Asked by aidan
Answer (Leif):
Oh, that's a tough one. So many to chose from. But I'm really dig tracks like "The Tempter", Wickedness of Man", "The Skull", "Pray for the Dead", "Run to the Light", "Black Shapes of Doom", "At the end of my Daze" among others hehe ..
22. Why did you change Dark Reflections from its speed metal esque-styling on the tales of creation demo to what ended up on the full length album? Will you ever perform Nemesis tracks live?
Asked by Meja
Answer (Leif):
Good question! I hade no idea why I changed it to be honest. Maybe the record label thought the original tark was too agressive and wanted a more classic metal opening of the record? I don't know. But the new version came out pretty nicely, became a video, and got great reviews.
23. Have u guys seen my Candlemass tattoos? Follow me on Instagram @raioinsane and check them out. Love you guys.Return to Brazil soon.
Asked by Raissane
Answer (Leif):
Haven't seen your tatoos. But take photos of them and send to webmaster. Maybe we'll publish them on the website?
24. Where you close with the bands in the Norweigen black metal scene? I saw Per Ohlin in the Bewitched music video and was curious ever since.
Asked by Arzo
Answer (Leif):
I think Pelle Ohlin and the others were approached at the Hard Rock Cafe the night before. We didn't know all the people who doomdanced there in the snow. It's really cool that they wanted to do it! And personally I don't know that many people from the norwegian Black Metal scene. I know some of the guys from Enslaved, I've bumped into Abbath, and been in the same rooms as some of the legends over the years if that count hahaha! But I do have lots of respect for norwegian black metal. Many of them are huge metal fanatics just like me!
25. Will you ever play something from Capter VI live again?
Asked by Claes Olsson
Answer (Leif):
No plans for it right now, but wouldn't rule it out for the future.
26. What are your feelings towards the from the 13th sun album? Would love to know more about it as I don't believe it's been mentioned in interviews at all.
Asked by SeanAssassino
Answer (Leif):
I like that album very much! Mention it often in interviews. But since it was more of a solo album we don't play any of those songs live. Cool record though. Sound like Sabbath 72 or something:-)
27. Will you re-record/recreate old Epicus Doomicus Metallicus songs in the future? Also Leif, your skull bass rocks!
Asked by Mario
Answer (Leif):
Well, get this question sometimes. My answer is always no. Why should we? It's perfect as it is! I know some bands recreate their early stuff, but maybe that's because they're not pleased with the production or the playing or something like that. But Epicus can't be beaten or re-done. Like Mona Lisa or the work of Michelangelo or an episode of "Murder She Wrote"! Timeless stuff!!
28. When will you come to Istanbul again? I can't wait to see you. I love you. YOU ARE THE BEST GROUP IN THE WORLD. I AM GRATEFUL TO YOU.
Asked by Ege Demir (Fozyy)
Answer (Leif):
We'll be back to Istanbul soon!!
29. Hello, I'm Addan, a huge fan from Brazil, and my question is:What is each member's favorite song from the band's discography? , can you guys send me a hug too?
, i'm 16 years old!Asked by Addan
Answer (Leif):
Hello Addan! Sending you a whole bunch of christmas hugs here! Maybe you sent the most difficult question of them all. For me anyway. The C-mass songs are like children to me. Can't choose one before the other. But here's a few of the ones I still enjoy after 40 yrs:-) "Demons Gate", "Under the Oak", "Well of Souls", "Ancient Dreams", "Into the Unfatomed Tower", "Demon of the Deep", "Emperor of the Void".
30. Will the Nightfall mix done by Ragne Wahlquist be released in 2027 as a bonus to potential 40th anniversary edition?
Asked by Oscar
Answer (Leif):
Ragne testmixed three trks before we took the tapes to Stockholm recording. I think it was "Bewitched", "Well of Souls" and "Gallows End". They sounded good, but wasn't what we were looking for. Those Thunderload mixes will be a part of an upcoming anniversary box from Peaceville.
31. You guys remember King of the Grey Islands? Would be great to hear this album revisited someday
Asked by Ann
Answer (Leif):
I agree. Good but underrated album. Maybe it's the sound of it? Peter Tägtgrens mix sounded great but he was in a bad divorce and accidentally saved the mix on max volume, so when we got the master it was overcompressed. From what I remember Nuclear Blast refused to wait for Peter to came back from LA (he was there for vacation + to shoot a Hipocrisy video) because they were on a tight release schedule. So K.O.T.G.I. got released as it was:-( WISH we could have waited a few weeks. His original mix sounded twice as good as what's on the CD/vinyl. Can't remaster it now either because Peter can't find the mix that he once did!! Soo Candlemass:-):-)
32. Hello Candlemass!! In what tuning are guitars in Candlemass, for example on last two albums?
Asked by Vid
Answer (Leif):
We tune in C-minor these days.
33. What other doom bands are you fans of?
Asked by Tom67
Answer (Leif):
I like old school doom. Bands like Trouble and Pentagram. Of course Sabbath are the godfathers, but not too many bands combine heaviness with metal + good melodies w clever arrangements these days. Maybe you, our fans,can give us hints for good new upcoming doom bands?
34. First what guitars have been used through the years ;second is it possible you come to Bulgaria because it borders with Greece and Turkey,both of which there were tour dates 2 months ago?
Asked by Yoan
Answer (Lars):
The guitar question is for Lars and Mappe:-) But it would be great to come to Bulgaria again. Think we played Wolf Fest there a couple of years ago. (Leif) I am using Framus, Sandberg, Tokai, Fender, Gibson guitars
35. How do you go about writing those heavy riffs that really make a song?
Asked by Lex!!
Answer (Leif):
The inspiration can come anytime. When I'm watching tv, is out shopping groceries, or is on a cruise like I was on the 70 000 Tons of Metal thing. I sang the riff on my telephone and it will probably be on a future C-mass record (if we do one).
36. What wine does Leif drink on stage and does have any favourites?
Asked by Stefanos
Answer (Leif):
Good question! Yes, I do like a glass of wine on stage, but I'm never drunk on stage. That's a nono if you ask me. Shitty respect for the fans that paid to see you. But one glass of good Riesling on stage only gets the old body going:-)
37. Candlemass rules! Hope to see yous next time you're in the uk! Serious question been dying to know, what the bands favourite colours are?
Asked by Mae
Answer (Leif):
Maybe black? hehe....
38. Will the belt buckle on tour be sold online in future?
Asked by Radio88
Answer (Leif):
I don't know but I hope so. I was very nice but sold out immedately.
39. Lars, what are your favorite Marshall amps and why? Are they modded?
Asked by Arno
Answer (Leif):
Hi, i use Marshall DSL 2000,peavey 5150, Hughes and Kettner, Bluguitar flooramp, Blackstar flooramp
40. I admire your whole concept of the band - from album covers to song lyrics - so I want to ask you: what are your inspirations to create such elements?
Asked by Emilia
Answer (Leif):
Another good question! Well, I do think that a record cover should in some way depict the music on the record. Most bands do this (in heavy metal anyway) but sometimes you see record covers that could be in any genre. Is it jazz, soul, metal, etno? Very confusing. But in our case we have our skull + our little doom niesche:-) Easy to come up with covers and lyrics hahahaha!
41. Why is Candlemass celebrating 40 years of Doom and Messiah Marcolin isn't sharing the stage with Johan Langqvist and all of you? Messiah has already expressed his desire to continue performing with Candlemass, and yet none of you have said anything about it.
Asked by Miss Isabelle
Answer (Leif):
Well, we said from the start that it would be one gig only. Johan is our singer and it wouldn't be fair to him if we continued to do more gig with Messiah. I must also add that Messiah have said that he is not interested in sharing the stage with Johan or anybody. I wouldn't have minded if he did a guest appearance when we celebrated our 40:th anniversary at Berns recently, but since he has said this multiple times to us, such a thing isn't possible I'm afraid. Dear old Messiah isn't a man for compromises I'm afraid. But he did a great appearance in Athens:-)
42. What was the hardest album to record
Asked by Sam
Answer (Leif):
One of the hardest was ""Door to Doom". The atmosphere in the band wasn't great at the time and that record took quite a while to make. Partly because of many discussions + the fact that my burnedoutness made it tricky for me to work efficiently. Also, Mats Levén left the band in the middle of the recordings and I was also on the way to part with the band. In the end Johan joined us and we're now better than ever w a pretty good atmosphere in the band:-)
43. What does Leif think of the homage of Nile, using the "Gothic Stone/Well of souls" riff in their "Unas slayer of the gods"?
Asked by Jovan
Answer (Leif):
I like it! Really cool song! Could have given us credit for it on the record, but did it on the follow up. Absolutely no hard feelings. Good band!
44. Who designed the skull logo, and did you ever give it a name? Cheers!
Asked by Dragstar211
Answer (Leif):
I became a member of the Motorhead fanclub in 1979, and they had a fan competition. If you came up with a design for a t-shirt, they would print the winners motif and sell it in the fanclub. I drew a skull with sticks through the head, but didn't win. When I started Nemesis we used a modified version of this skull. Later, for the first Candlemass record, "Epicus Doomicus Metalicus", we wanted a skull on the cover so drummer Matz Ekströms father contacted a friend that worked at an advertising bureau (where Matz father worked with printing) and he drew our famous skull from my old sketch. It hasn't got a name I'm afraid. Maybe a fan competition? hehe..
45. What is your creative process for writing lyrics? What usually inspires you? Do you have any advice for coming up with ideas for lyrics?
Asked by Avery
Answer (Leif):
Read books,see films, watch the news and throw something in about yourself in the stew. Works for me:-)
46. Best advice you could give someone wanting a career in playing metal?
Asked by Avery
Answer (Leif):
Never, ever give up!
47. I bet you've heard this million times, but what inspired the song "A Sorcerer's Pledge"? Such haunting and beautiful song. PS. I like the ending live when you guys extend it for the audience PS.PS. A gig in northern Sweden or Finland anytime soon?
Asked by Plup, the Octopus
Answer (Leif):
I think it was a fantasy novel, but I can't remember which one. The song took quite a while to write but turned out pretty good! Glad you like it!
48. Are there ever any issues coming up with the main riff for a song? If so, how do you overcome the "writer's block"?
Asked by Joey
Answer (Leif):
I normally don't have a probelms with riffs. I got lots recorded but like to write new ones all year round. But I only use a few of maybe a hundred. I'm very picky about the riffs. To get the riffs to become a whole song is a different matter. That's a Lot of work! And it has to be good. Takes me about a year to write a new record.. or maybe up to 18 months sometimes!
Originally published as Candlemaniacs Webzine – Issue #1, Christmas Special 2025.
