Swedish doom metal band Candlemass have announced via their official site that the band has parted ways with singer Robert Lowe and have named Mats Levén (Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion) for the band’s upcoming shows.
Candlemass have released the following statement concerning the line-up change:
“We are sorry to inform you that Robert Lowe is no longer the singer for Candlemass. It has been a very difficult decision for the band and has mainly to do with the quality of the live performances. For the upcoming shows, Robert will be replaced with Mats Levén [Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion], longtime friend of the band. We are convinced this will work out just great. The band is currently rehearsing new and old songs with Mats and we know that nobody attending the gigs at Debaser Slussen, Metaltown, Borås or Southern Discomfort will be disappointed. Bring your earplugs….it will be hard, massive and loud! Keyboard player Per Wiberg [Opeth, Spiritual Beggars] is also joining Candlemass onstage for the live shows.”
Robert Lowe first joined Candlemass in 2006 and was featured on two full length albums (“King of the Grey Islands” and “Death Magic Doom”) in addition to the band’s forthcoming album “Psalms for the Dead,” as well as a number of EPs and singles. “Psalms for the Dead” will be the 11th and final album for Candlemass, and is set to be released on 8th June, with the band performing an album release show on 5th June in Stockholm, Sweden at Debaser Slussen.
Lowe is still the lead singer of Arlington, TX based doom band Solitude Aeturnus, currently in their 25th year of existence. The band is currently active, despite having released their last studio album, “Alone,” in 2006, but has released a live album and DVD as well as a compilation in more recent years. Lowe is also the singer of doom metal band Concept of God, who have only released one album, 2007’s “Visions.”
