It seems that some metalheads — myself included — missed the fact that on October 18th, 2024, seven digital tracks were released under the name JOHAN LANGQUIST THE CASTLE.
Yes, you read that right. We’re talking about the iconic vocalist whose legacy stretches wide and deep, from his early days with JOHAN QUIZZ, where he served as the lead singer from 1979 to 1986 (the very year he changed the course of metal history by contributing to the monumental debut of CANDLEMASS, “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus”), to his work with IMPULSIA, and his triumphant return to CANDLEMASS in 2018.
Along the way, he’s contributed to a number of releases — I choose to mention “Lamenting of the Innocent” by SORCERER (2020).
With a voice that perfectly balances hard rock grit and heavy metal drama, Johan Langquist delivers with the kind of melodic force required for a powerful performance in the vein of BLACK SABBATH during the Tony Martin era, as well as the golden moments of Ronnie James Dio — whether in RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, or his early masterpieces as DIO.
At the same time, the depth and strength in his vocals — his incredible control, sustain, and clarity — have left an immortal imprint on the vocal legacy of epic doom metal.
JOHAN LANGQUIST THE CASTLE may have started as a solo project, but thankfully, with the support of I Hate Records, last year’s digital tracks are now being released in physical format as a self-titled debut.
The mastermind himself makes one thing clear:
«JOHAN LANGQUIST THE CASTLE is not to be seen as a “studio project” – on the contrary a full line-up will soon take shape, and both live-shows and a second album are being worked on. But that is another story. Now enter the castle of dreams!»
Recording personnel includes — in addition to Johan Langquist (vocals) — Erik Henriksson (guitars, keyboards), Fredrik Isaksson (bass), Stafen Englin (drums), and Emelie Lindquist (soprano, backing vocals).
From the haunting “Eye of Death” —a track that could easily find its place on a CANDLEMASS or even SAVATAGE album— to the hard rock anthems “Castle of My Dreams” and “Revolution”, the GRAND MAGUS-styled “Raw Energy”, and the Babylonian-tinged oriental flair of “Where Are The Heroes”, all the way to the epic doom hymn “Freedom” and dreamy blend of BLACK SABBATH and AVATARIUM that “Bird of Sadness” is, “Johan Langquist The Castle” manages, in all its strange diversity, to maintain an admirable cohesion — held together by the unshakable bond of its Langquist’s one-of-a-kind voice and artistic vision.
“Johan Langquist The Castle” will be released on June 27th by I Hate Records on both CD and LP.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre order both the CD and LP here.
