Swedish gothic doom band DRACONIAN have announced their eighth full-length album, In Somnolent Ruin, set for release on May 8 via Napalm Records. The new record also marks the highly anticipated return of vocalist Lisa Johansson, reuniting the classic vocal dynamic that helped define the band’s signature sound.
Pre-orders are now live: lnk.to/Draconian-InSomnolentRuin
Band founder Johan Ericson explains that the origins of In Somnolent Ruin stretch back to 2021, beginning with early ideas around the track “Misanthrope River”, a title dating as far back as the demo era of Under a Godless Veil:
“As small pieces and fragments slowly started to grow into actual songs, it only made me more inspired to keep writing. I drew a lot of inspiration from art and from other musical acts—everything from dark folk to eerie ambient music. Early on, I had a clear sense of the overall vibe I wanted for the album: classic doom intertwined with ambient soundscapes, while keeping that strong gothic thread that connects everything.”
Vocalist Anders Jacobsson adds that the album was a slow-burning and deeply introspective process:
“It took quite some time before the album began to feel whole. We didn’t settle on the final track list until very late in the process. There were moments of doubt throughout, but it did come together in the end. It was without question the most difficult album for me to fully grasp and work through—but perhaps that’s what makes the final result all the more compelling.”
He also highlights the importance of Johansson’s return and drummer Daniel Johansson’s contribution:
“It was fantastic to work with Lisa again, and having Daniel bring a new dimension to the drums added another layer of depth to the entire process.”
Musically, In Somnolent Ruin promises a wide-ranging yet cohesive journey through classic doom, ambient textures, and DRACONIAN’s unmistakable gothic atmosphere, blending heaviness with introspection and cinematic melancholy.
Tracklisting:
- I Welcome Thy Arrow
- The Monochrome Blade
- Anima (feat. Daniel Änghede)
- The Face of God
- I Gave You Wings
- Asteria Beneath the Tranquil Sea
- Cold Heavens
- Misanthrope River
- Lethe
Pre-orders are now live: lnk.to/Draconian-InSomnolentRuin
In Somnolent Ruin will be available in the following formats:
- 2CD 36-page Earbook incl. bonus CD with two exclusive tracks (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
- 2LP Gatefold Picture Vinyl + 24-page 12” booklet (Napalm Europe exclusive)
- 2LP Gatefold Splattered Black Smoke / White Orange Black Vinyl + 24-page booklet (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
- 2LP Gatefold Gold Vinyl incl. lyric sheet (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
- CD Digipak
With Lisa Johansson back in the fold and a renewed creative vision, In Somnolent Ruin stands poised to become one of DRACONIAN’s most emotionally resonant and atmospheric releases to date.