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CANDLEMASS Unleashes Doom With Chilean Vocalist in Australia

By Jason •
Swedish doom titans CANDLEMASS take to the stage with Felipe Plaza Kutzbach as the band faces a medical crisis.

In a dramatic twist worthy of their legendary status, Swedish doom metal icons CANDLEMASS have enlisted the powerhouse vocals of Felipe Plaza Kutzbach for their recent Australian tour. The four-date journey kicked off on September 29 in Melbourne and concluded with a thunderous finale in Perth on October 3. This collaboration comes in the wake of a medical emergency that sidelined their longtime frontman Johan Längqvist, forcing the band to pivot and adapt in true metal fashion.

Kutzbach, known for his work with PROCESSION, DESTRÖYER 666, and SCALD, is no stranger to the stage. He previously stepped in during CANDLEMASS's performance at the London Metalfest on September 12, where he shared vocal duties alongside metal luminaries Aaron Stainthorpe of MY DYING BRIDE and Tony Dolan from VENOM INC. The infusion of fresh energy has proven electrifying, as evidenced by fan-filmed footage from the Australian leg of the tour, showcasing Kutzbach's commanding presence.

As the band continues to navigate the challenges presented by Längqvist's health, the legacy of CANDLEMASS remains unshaken. Their latest EP, "Black Star," which dropped in May 2025 via Napalm Records, has kept fans ravenous for their signature epic doom sound. Meanwhile, Längqvist’s solo project, JOHAN LANGQUIST THE CASTLE, released its self-titled debut album in June 2025, further solidifying his indelible mark on the metal scene.

In a thrilling return to form, CANDLEMASS also reunited with former vocalist Messiah Marcolin for a special performance at the Rock Hard Festival in Greece in September 2025, marking his first appearance with the band in nearly two decades. With a lineage that traces back to their groundbreaking albums "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" and "Nightfall," CANDLEMASS has continually redefined the boundaries of doom metal.

Led by the indomitable Leif Edling, the band has weathered lineup changes and personal trials, but their commitment to heavy music remains steadfast. The saga of CANDLEMASS, with its rich history of vocalists—from Längqvist to the legendary Marcolin, and the dynamic styles of Robert Lowe and Mats Levén—reflects the very essence of metal: resilience, evolution, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression.