Candlemass leader and bassist Leif Edling has firmly stated that the upcoming reunion performance featuring iconic former vocalist Messiah Marcolin will be an exclusive, one-time event, with no intentions for further collaboration or a full-fledged reunion. The special concert is scheduled as part of Candlemass‘s 40th-anniversary celebrations and will take place at this year’s Rock Hard Festival Greece in Athens on September 12-13, 2025. This will mark Marcolin‘s first appearance with the doom metal pioneers in nearly two decades.
In a recent interview with Sakis Fragos of Rock Hard Greece, Edling discussed the significance of the Athens show within the broader context of the band’s four-decade milestone. “Well, it feels great. And we [are celebrating Candlemass‘s] 40-year anniversary with many happenings, so this is one of the happenings that we have,” Edling explained (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). He mentioned other celebratory activities including a special EP, unique merchandise, special shows in Sweden, and an ongoing documentary being filmed about the band.
However, when pressed about the possibility of extending the reunion with Messiah Marcolin beyond the single Greek festival date, Edling was unequivocal. “Yeah, it will be a one-off show. Absolutely,” he asserted. “And we have no recording plans, we have no reunion plans. There are no plans whatsoever but just one show and one show only. So that’s the entire thought behind it. Go down to Greece where we have a lot of true fans, loyal fans, and have a blast. Play a great show and enjoy ourselves for the 40-year anniversary’s sake. Not many bands survive to have a 40-year anniversary. So we feel very lucky that we have managed to survive this long.”
Edling also views this upcoming performance not as a new chapter with Marcolin, but rather as a special occasion for the fans and the band. “I think we had a closure, like, 20 years ago, actually,” he said with a laugh. “I mean, we didn’t know that we would survive one year after Messiah left. And we didn’t know that we would be playing 20 years after. So this is a bonus. And it’s a bonus for all the people that would like to see us live with Messiah. So why not? Let’s do it. Let’s have fun for an evening in Athens.”
Regarding what fans can expect from the setlist at the Rock Hard Festival Greece, Edling hinted at a memorable selection. “I think we’ll do the classics with a couple of surprises… I don’t think anybody will be disappointed. That I can say.”
This definitive statement from Leif Edling clarifies that the Athens performance will be a unique and singular opportunity for fans to witness Messiah Marcolin fronting Candlemass once again, as part of their extensive 40th-anniversary festivities.
