Swedish doom metal icons CANDLEMASS recently cancelled their scheduled performance at Germany's Keep It True XIII festival, scheduled for April 23rd and 24th, 2010 at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen.

The band have since issued the following message:

"Candlemass are very sorry for the last weeks cancellations. The band haven’t missed a show in over 20 years and now it happens twice in one week!

Please don’t blame it on the band. Believe us... we would rather play great shows at cool festivals than just sitting on our asses at home! But we can’t fight a volcano on Iceland. We've been following the latest news 10 times per day, and when airports opens and closes every day depending on the wind, nobody can say if we can get back from Germany or not, and we really don’t wanna be stranded in Frankfurt with lots of other unfortunate travellers.

A bus or van wasn’t an alternative. The band wouldn’t be in good shape either after over 20 hours in a car. No point in playing shows that are so-so... also... Lars has got a very bad back.

The promotor for K.I.T. understood this when we told him a couple of days ago, but nevertheless put out a remark about it yesterday.

Sorry, but we are not 20 anymore. Blame the fucking volcano... not us!!! Anyway, 1,000 apologies to all the fans of true heavy metal that went to Keep It True!!!"

Candlemass will release Ashes To Ashes on June 29th in North America.

Bassist and mastermind Leif Edling commented on what to expect from the legendary bands first ever live DVD/CD set with vocalist Robert Lowe (SOLITUDE AETURNUS): “Death Magic Doom was the turning point for us. All of a sudden we were back up there – in demand, getting great reviews, playing gigs for lots of people. Shit, even Sweden Rock wanted us! The big stage at 5 PM, before ZZ TOP and TWISTED SISTER. And we did good. 25,000 people cheered during our 80 min set. Goosebumps!

People always ask me, what do you prefer – a huge outdoor stage or a smaller club? My answer is both! I love the big summer festivals, the atmosphere, the party, hanging out with old and new friends, the massive crowds! But I also have a weak spot for the clubs. The sweat, the intimacy, the communication, the rawness!

Here on this DVD you get both! A great representation of Candlemass 2009! Two of the best shows we played this year. Sweden Rock and Athens. Outdoors vs. indoors. Big versus small. 25,000 people against 1,000. Daytime... evening... One gig is more brutal and in your face, the other more polished and produced. Hope you enjoy both as I do!”

Ashes To Ashes - Live, out in North America on June 29th via Nuclear Blast Records, is due out on April 23rd in Europe.

A preview for the DVD can be viewed below.

According to a press release, Ashes To Ashes is a massive live onslaught on DVD that boasts two full shows (one at Sweden Rock festival 2009, the other one in Athens the same year) – plus the Sweden Rock show on CD too. Not to mention an in-depth band interview and plenty of bonus stuff!. This release also marks the first live album / live DVD with vocalist Robert Lowe and material from the last two albums, namely King of the Grey Islands and Death Magic Doom. Mixed with classic tunes such as 'Samarithan', 'At the Gallows End' or 'Solitude', "Ashes to Ashes" truly is a treat for every Candlemass fan and a must have for all traditional metal gourmets!"

Nuclear Blast is putting two sets of double LPs together (one set Sweden Rock Festival, one set Athens) which is limited edition 1,000 copies each.

Ashes To Ashes (Sweden Rock Festival 2009) setlist:

'Dark Are The Veils Of Death'

'Samarithan'

'If I Ever Die'

'Hammer Of Doom'

'At the Gallows End'

'Emperor Of The Void'

'Bleeding Baroness'

'A Sorcerer's Pledge'

'Solitude'

'Kill The King' (RAINBOW cover)

No Sleep Til Athens setlist:

'Mirror Mirror'

'Samarithan'

'At The Gallows End'

'If I Ever Die'

'Hammer of Doom'

'Dark Are The Veils Of Death'

'Demon's Gate'

'Emperor Of The Void'

'Man Of Shadows'

'Bleeding Baroness'

'Tears'

'A Sorcerer's Pledge'

'Demon Of The Deep'

'Solitude'