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CANDLEMASS 20th Anniversary Party Peaceville (2007)
There is no language in the known world capable of describing the importance that the music of Candlemass has played, not just in the evolution of Doom Metal, but also in the overall recognition and appreciation of Heavy Metal as a quality musical genre. Based on the above, one can almost certainly understand the need for organizing an event worthy of the celebration of the band's 20th anniversary - an event that took place at the Kolingsborg club in Stockholm and which featured guest performances by a number of important people. Let's see what happened on the 31st of January 2007…
This event was delayed for six months due to ongoing problems with the band's then frontman Messiah Marcolin - the departure of whom earlier in the year finally paved the way for the completion of this project. The idea was to invite all of the band's former frontmen and with the additional contributions of some fellow-musicians/friends of the band, to perform a one and a half hour set of classic Candlemass material. Candlemass have many devoted fans around the world, myself included, so it came as no surprise that the venue was packed on the night of the show, but the main reason behind that positive response was that the show would include the first ever performance of Mr.Johan Langquist on stage - the voice behind the now legendary "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus".
Even though I was not lucky enough to attend that show, I believe that this DVD managed to capture the atmosphere that the members of the band wished for it to convey, and there are many reasons that justify such an argument. The numerous cameras that were used in the recordings provided a clear insight into the overall performances, but did so in a very intimate, almost underground way, without jeopardizing the overall quality of the project. The relatively small stage of the venue allowed the fans clear access to their musical heroes and that resulted in some really powerful, almost magical performances on the part of the performing artists, fuelled by the energy and contribution of a much energized crowd.
I had to admit that, much as I appreciate all the contributing artists, the performances that I was really eager to hear were those including the participation of Johan Langquist, yet the first highlight of the night came from another great singer, namely Tomas Vikstrom. Tomas was the recording vocalist behind "Chapter VI"- an album that I refused to indulge in at the time of its release, seeing as I could not imagine Candlemass without Messiah behind the microphone. Well, Mr.Vikstrom certainly proved to be one hell of a vocalist on the night of the show, especially when performing the amazing eight and a half minute opus "Where The Runes Still Speak" from the afore-mentioned album. Some really interesting performances were provided by Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth) and JB (Grand Magus), "At the Gallow's End" and "Well Of Souls" respectively, before Robert Lowe's contribution, which included a great performance of the newly-recorded "Demonia 6", but also a horrible one of the all time classic "Mirror Mirror" where not only did he lose the lyrics on numerous occasions but he also sang it slightly out of key. Johan Langquist seemed to have felt slightly uncomfortable on stage, yet his performances of "Demons Gate" and "A Sorcerers Pledge" were the absolute highlights of the show, together with Tony Martin's (ex Black Sabbath) version of "Witches". The closing theme of this beautiful night included a triple vocal performance of "Solitude" by Vikstrom/Langquist/Lowe, providing a fitting ending to these special celebrations.
I have been lucky enough to have attended quite a few great shows in my life, but every time I watch this DVD (which I intend to do on numerous occasions) I will feel envious of all the people who were there on the night of the show. There may have been indeed quite a few missing notes and out of key vocal lines performed that night, in addition to the annoyingly bad interviews featured in the 'extras' section, but this should not really be taken under serious consideration. You see, this is not the product of a professionally established line up, but the celebration of 20 years in the life of a great band. That is the reason why it will not be granted with a rating on my part, but this is also a reason why it deserves to become part of the DVD collection of every metal fan around the globe!
Review by John Stefanis
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