Sweden's legends of doom CANDLEMASS will be celebrating 25 years as a band with an extra long performance at Debaser Medis in Stockholm on December 18th. The classic album Epicus Doomicus Metalicus will be performed in its entirety for the first time with the original singer Johan Längqvist.

According to a band update, "(new singer) Robert Lowe will of course also be on stage this evening singing both old and new material at this mega cool event!! Expect a long show with the kings of Doom!!"

As previously reported, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus will be released on fat 180 gram blood red vinyl in numbered gatefold sleeve on June 28th via Peaceville. The gatefold sleeve features the original artwork (red text and skull - not white as on the CD) on a matt laminated sleeve with logo and text on front in spot varnish. It will also include new sleeve notes written by the band.

According to a press release, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus is a true classic. Every track is undeniably strong - heavy metal riffs blended with almost neo-classical touches, plus some theatrical elements bringing to mind bands like MERCYFUL FATE (thought to be another influence). This is one of the definitive doom metal releases, immortalizing the band, alongside early developers of the style such as the US band, PENTAGRAM.

Epicus was recorded at Thunderload Studios in 1986 and was released later that same year. The vocals for this, their debut album, were handled by Johan Längqvist, before the iconic vocalist Messiah Marcolin became a solid fixture in the band until the early nineties.

Candlemass instantly became a great inspiration to countless metal bands upon the album's release in 1986; a time when thrash metal, not doom, was fast becoming the dominant style in both Europe and the US. Bands such as PARADISE LOST and MY DYING BRIDE rate the album very highly to this day - Paradise Lost particularly ranking Epicus among their favourite albums ever.