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 artist’s spirit into the light of day! This promises to be one of the most personal records in the band’s discography, revealed through a dreamlike journey across nine tracks and the poetic lyricism of vocalist Anders Jacobsson. As a recurring theme, DRACONIAN explore Plato’s 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, DRACONIAN’s 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 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 (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.

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.

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. “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 one’s 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 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.”

Tracks:

1. I Welcome Thy Arrow
2. The Monochrome Blade
3. Anima
4. The Face of God
5. I Gave You Wings
6. Asteria Beneath the Tranquil Sea
7. Cold Heavens
8. Misanthrope River
9. Lethe

Genres: Gothic Metal, Doom Metal, Death Metal

GPSR Information:
Manufacturer:
Napalm Records Mailorder GmbH
Hammerplatz 2, 8790 Eisenerz, Austria
customer.service(at)napalmrecords.com