History was made in Athens, Greece, on Saturday night (September 13) as legendary doom metal pioneers CANDLEMASS reunited with their iconic former vocalist, Messiah Marcolin, for a one-off, world-exclusive performance at Rock Hard Festival Greece.
The special event marked the first time in nearly 20 years that Marcolin took the stage with the band, sending waves of excitement through longtime fans and doom metal loyalists across the globe.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
For devoted followers of CANDLEMASS, the name Messiah Marcolin is synonymous with some of the band’s most celebrated eras. His operatic vocal style and commanding stage presence helped define albums like Nightfall (1987), Ancient Dreams (1988), and Tales of Creation (1989), all of which cemented the group’s legacy in the world of heavy music.
Seeing him back with CANDLEMASS after two decades was nothing short of historic. The announcement of this exclusive reunion had generated intense anticipation, and the Athens show more than delivered on expectations.
The Setlist: A Doom Metal Dream
The concert featured a career-spanning setlist that highlighted some of the most iconic songs from the Marcolin era, along with fan favorites from across the band’s catalog.
CANDLEMASS setlist – Rock Hard Festival Greece 2025:
- The Well Of Souls
- Dark Are The Veils Of Death
- Mirror Mirror
- Darkness In Paradise
- Bewitched
- Samarithan
- Black Dwarf
- Crystal Ball
- A Sorcerer’s Pledge
Encore:
10. At The Gallows End
11. Solitude
Every track was met with thunderous applause, but it was songs like Bewitched and At The Gallows End that sent the Greek crowd into a frenzy. Fans described the atmosphere as “electric,” with many calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Messiah Marcolin’s Triumphant Return
Marcolin’s appearance was the emotional centerpiece of the night. His trademark baritone voice, paired with his theatrical stage presence, reminded fans why he remains one of the most beloved vocalists in doom metal history.
Fan reactions flooded social media after the show:
“Hearing Messiah sing ‘Samarithan’ live again after 20 years gave me chills. Absolute perfection.”
“CANDLEMASS with Messiah is pure magic. Athens witnessed history tonight.”
The chemistry between Marcolin and the rest of the band appeared intact, creating a performance that felt both nostalgic and timeless.
