Six years have passed since Draconian released their last record, Under a Godless Veil, the band’s most successful offering 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 vocalist Lisa Johansson, who now once again shares vocal duties with Anders Jacobsson, promising even more enigmatic music to come. Johansson had been the band’s vocalist for their first five records before leaving Draconian in 2011 for personal reasons. In Somnolent Ruin marks her official comeback, following several live performances at festivals over the past years. The band’s 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.
Now, the undisputed leaders of the 2nd wave of Gothic Doom Metal, are finally back – and they return in better shape than ever! Their new studio offering, In Somnolent Ruin, will creep its way from the artist’s spirit into the light of day this Spring, and promises to be one of the most personal records in the band’s discography, revealed through a dream-like journey across nine tracks and the poetic lyricism of vocalist Anders Jacobsson. The record’s first Single, “Cold Heavens”, has also been released in tandem with the announcement, and is about finding no comfort in Heaven as there is no difference between being alive or dead. About the new single, Johan Ericson states, “In need of a more up-tempo song, “Cold Heavens” was the final piece written for In Somnolent Ruin. The intention was to create a simple, straightforward track to balance the album’s longer compositions and add versatility. Lisa’s laid-back vocals take center stage, guiding us through a bleak, cold landscape before giving way to Anders’ more spiteful and desperate delivery. The song ends with a sense of resignation, leading into the album’s next track.”
In Somnolent Ruin will be released on May 8th via Napalm Records. Pre-orders are now available here.
Photo credit: Therés Stephansdotter Björk
