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DRACONIAN - in somnolent ruin DLP black | ||||||||||||||
| lim. gatefold
double black vinyl "Swedish gothic doom entity DRACONIAN is finally
back! Their new studio album, In Somnolent Ruin, will creep its way
from the artists spirit into the light of day! This promises to be
one of the most personal records in the bands discography, revealed
through a dreamlike journey across nine tracks and the poetic lyricism
of vocalist Anders Jacobsson. As a recurring theme, DRACONIAN explore
Platos theory of the soul an element that was not planned from
the very beginning, but instead emerged organically during the
creation of In Somnolent Ruin. Six years have passed since the band
released its predecessor, Under a Godless Veil, DRACONIANs most
successful record 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 bands 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 bands renewed
lineup is rounded out by Daniel Johansson (ex-Wormwood), who joined
DRACONIAN as a full member in 2025 following Jerry Torstennsons
departure. Prior to that, Johansson had served as the bands session
drummer since 2019. 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 lifes hardest questions, exploring feelings
of alienation and the search for direction in unfamiliar territory. In
Somnolent Ruins 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. Anima features
Swedish artist Daniel Änghede, adding layers of emotional depth and
confronting listeners with their darker impulses, capturing the sense
of being lost and questioning ones place in the world. 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 albums 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 lifes 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." Tracks:
Genres: Gothic Metal, Doom Metal, Death Metal GPSR Information: |
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