CANDLEMASS Mainman Says Atmosphere In Band Is 'Much Better' Since MESSIAH MARCOLIN's Departure

Dimitris Kontogeorgakos of Metal Temple recently conducted an interview with CANDLEMASS mainman/bassist Leif Edling. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow.

Metal Temple: I read on your website that you [were going to] film yesterday's [May 20] show in New York, so how did it go?

Leif Edling: Actually, we did not film the show.

Metal Temple: Why?

Leif Edling: Mmm, I think there were some "problems" with the negotiations with the camera crew that did not show up! I guest that it might have been some misunderstanding between them and the manager or the record label. To be honest with you, I don't know what actually happened, and I was pretty disappointed when the cameras weren't there.

Metal Temple: Will you make another attempt to film a U.S. show?

Leif Edling: No, it supposed to be done in New York and the camera crew was from there. So we cannot afford to get on the road. There won't be a DVD shooting in this tour. Well, apart from our own cameras and stuff.

Metal Temple: So, Rob's [Lowe, vocals] addition to the lineup changed the atmosphere in the band?

Leif Edling: Yeah, we definitely have much better atmosphere in the band. We have more fun as a band and I think this is the way it should be. Everyone seems to have more fun and actually feels more relaxed. With Messiah [Marcolin, former singer] things were difficult because he made it that way. Now it is totally a different thing like night and day. It's like walk in the park being in CANDLEMASS!

Metal Temple: What about the next album, do you have any thoughts about it?

Leif Edling: Most of the tracks are ready and when we return home after the U.S. tour in the middle of June, we will do some more live dates, then we will have some vacation time during July and finally on August get on the studio to record it.

Metal Temple: Musically, where does it stand?

Leif Edling: Well, I think it will be better than the "King Of The Grey Islands" that was better than the white album. So, we will continue in this pattern (laughs). Basically, it is pretty much in the same vein and I can surely say that I am very pleased with it.

Read the entire interview at Metal-Temple.com.