A Kickstarter campaign has been launched to fund a new documentary about Swedish doom metal legends CANDLEMASS. Acclaimed Swedish director Jonas Akerlund will serve as executive producer of the documentary.
“9 Lives Of Doom – The Story Of Candlemass” is an upcoming documentary that will delve into the four-decade journey of the legendary Swedish doom metal band CANDLEMASS. The film will chronicle the group’s highs and lows, exploring their creative evolution, internal conflicts, reunions, and lasting impact on the metal scene.
As part of their 40th anniversary celebration, CANDLEMASS will reunite with iconic former vocalist Messiah Marcolin for a special, one-time performance at the Rock Hard Festival in Athens, Greece. Messiah played a crucial role in the band’s early success, though his relationship with the rest of the members has been famously rocky. This marks the first time in 20 years that he’ll share the stage with the band, and the documentary will capture the behind-the-scenes build-up and outcome of this long-awaited reunion.
In a fortunate twist, guitarist Mats Björkman recently discovered a box filled with approximately 50 hours of unreleased footage on old video tapes. These rare recordings will serve as the backbone of the film, offering an intimate and personal look into CANDLEMASS’s history—from their humble beginnings in Upplands Väsby in 1985 to their current chapter. The story will also feature interviews with key figures in the metal community who have worked with or been inspired by the band.
Following the Athens reunion show, CANDLEMASS plans to enter the studio to record what might become their final album—potentially the crowning moment of a monumental career.
CANDLEMASS’s influence on doom metal is undeniable, leaving a lasting imprint on bands like OPETH, GHOST, and PARADISE LOST. In 2019, their impact was further recognized with a U.S. Grammy nomination for “The Door to Doom”. That album marked a symbolic full-circle moment for the band, featuring a guest guitar solo by none other than Tony Iommi of BLACK SABBATH — the very originators of the genre CANDLEMASS helped carry forward.
Their story goes beyond just music. The journey of CANDLEMASS mirrors universal themes—artistic growth, personal relationships, and the struggle to stay true to one’s vision in a genre often linked to youth, energy, and raw power. “9 Lives of Doom” captures this emotional and creative odyssey, highlighting how the band’s relentless passion and innovation helped put Sweden firmly on the global heavy metal map.
