Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

DRACONIAN, Sweden’s undisputed leader of the second wave of gothic doom metal, today releases “Anima,” the final harbinger from their upcoming new studio album, In Somnolent Ruin, out this Friday, May 8, 2026, via Napalm Records. DRACONIAN’s third single tells a story about people behaving dualistically and being afraid to embrace their dark side as a means of escaping daily life. The track features Swedish artist Daniel Änghede, whose contribution adds layers of emotional depth while confronting listeners with their darker impulses, capturing the feeling of being lost and questioning one’s place in the world.                   

The band’s upcoming full-length, In Somnolent Ruin, marks the return of singer Lisa Johansson to the band and sees the light of day six years after its predecessor, Under a Godless Veil—DRACONIAN’s most successful release to date. Much has changed since then, yet everything feels familiar: After introducing new guitarist Niklas Nord (Myteri, DeathTrap, The Random Victims) in spring 2022, the band announced the return of Lisa shortly after. The renewed lineup is rounded out by Daniel Johansson (Antikult, ex-Wormwood), who joined DRACONIAN as a full member in 2025 following Jerry Torstennson’s departure. Prior to that, Johansson had served as the band’s session drummer since 2019. It’s the first album on which longtime member Daniel Arvidsson can be heard on bass, to which he switched from guitar in 2022.

Ander Jacobsson about the new single:
“’Anima’ began as a poem I wrote in 2019—an exploration of the soul’s duality and the inner territories we tend to avoid, or fear to face. It moves through paradox, cloaked as a flowing inward journey, culminating in a quiet reckoning: an acceptance of one’s own darkness, embraced rather than denied. The title itself nods to the Jungian archetype. Sonically, the track leans into a more gothic atmosphere than our earlier work. We invited Daniel Änghede to take on lead vocals, and his dreamy presence aligns seamlessly with the mood we envisioned. His voice intertwines beautifully with Lisa’s, creating a resonance that feels both intimate and expansive. ‘Anima’ stands apart on the album through its atmosphere, its intent, and the performance it carries. We sincerely hope it finds something in you.”

In Somnolent Ruin captures the essence of a band that no longer needs to prove anything – and yet still does. Active since the mid-1990s and having released their debut album, Where Lovers Mourn, in 2003, DRACONIAN have continuously demonstrated their unmatched ability to craft otherworldly doom melodies and searing heavy instrumentation, complemented by lyrics that read like poetry. Their art cuts deep, compelling listeners to confront their inner demons, wander through the darkest shadows, and even embrace emotional numbness, only to emerge with a sense of inner peace. This album confronts listeners with life’s hardest questions, exploring feelings of alienation and the search for direction in unfamiliar territory.

Pre-order your copy of In Somnolent Ruin HERE

In Somnolent Ruin’s journey begins with “I Welcome Thy Arrow”, which captivates from the very first seconds through haunting melodies and a vocal interplay that embodies fragility and strength alike. Tracks such as “The Monochrome Blade” and “The Face of God” introduce increased tempo and eruptive vocal dynamics. “Asteria Beneath the Tranquil Sea” serves as a transitional interlude between “I Gave You Wings” and “Cold Heavens”, the latter exploring the delicate balance between life and death and not finding relief in any of both, while delivering the album’s most intense vocal performance. “Misanthrope River” opens with an extended instrumental passage and narration by Simon Bibby, slowing the tempo but by no means reducing the emotional weight, reflecting life’s daily struggles and obstacles. The closing track, “Lethe”, references the river of forgetfulness in Greek mythology. Those who drank from it would lose all memory. “Oh, shooting star… Drown in me! Drink. Forget. Repeat.” mourns Jacobsson through devilish growls. And yet, In Somnolent Ruin remains a work of art one wishes not to forget – not a single blink of an eye.

In Somnolent Ruin Tracklist:
1. I Welcome Thy Arrow              
2. The Monochrome Blade         
3. Anima (feat. Daniel Änghede)
4. The Face of God         
5. I Gave You Wings       
6. Asteria Beneath the Tranquil Sea       
7. Cold Heavens              
8. Misanthrope River    
9. Lethe

DRACONIAN Live 2026:
Latin America
16.05.26 BR – Sao Paulo / Carioca Club
17.05.26 AR – Buenos Aires / Teatro Flores
19.05.26 CL – Santiago / Sala Metronomo
21.05.26 CO – Bogota / Teatro Astor Plaza
23.05.26 MX – Mexico City / Circo Volador
 
06.08.26 CZ – Jaromer / Brutal Assault
25.09.26 ES – Madrid / Revi Live
26.09.26 PT – Lisbon / Under the Doom
 
Japan Tour
12.10.26 JP – Tokyo / Shibuya Stream Hall
13.10.26 JP – Osaka / Shinsaibashi Sunhall
 
EU tour 2027
18.02.27 DE ­­– Hamburg/ Knust
19.02.27 DE – Berlin / Lido
20.02.27 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser
21.02.27 PL – Krakow / Hype Park
23.02.27 PL – Warsaw / Hydrozagadka
24.02.27 AT – Vienna / Szene
25.02.27 CZ – Prague / Futurum Club
26.02.27 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle
27.02.27 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal
28.02.27 IT – Milan / Legend Club
02.03.27 LU – Esch-sur-Alzette / Rockhal
03.03.27 DE – Oberhausen / Kulttempel
04.03.27 NL – Utrecht / Tivoli Vredenburg
05.03.27 BE – Kortrijk / DVG
06.03.27 FR – Paris / La Machine Du Moulin Rouge
07.03.27 UK – London / The Dome

DRACONIAN is:
Johan Ericson – Guitar, Vocals, Keys
Anders Jacobsson – Vocals
Lisa Johansson – Vocals
Daniel Arvidsson – Bass
Niklas Nord – Guitar
Daniel Johansson – Drums
 
DRACONIAN online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS