Finnish melodic death metal band INSOMNIUM have released “Shadowlife,” the first single from their upcoming tenth studio album, due out this October. Accompanied by a visually striking music video created by Coldstore Productions, the track offers fans an emotional and atmospheric introduction to the band’s next chapter.
Watch the video here:
Described as a thematic gateway to the new album, “Shadowlife” finds INSOMNIUM expanding their sonic horizons while remaining firmly rooted in the melancholic melodic death metal sound that has defined their career. The song balances crushing heaviness with moments of delicate vulnerability, blending darkness and light into a seamless emotional journey complemented by the artwork of longtime collaborator Travis Smith.
Vocalist and bassist Niilo Sevänen explained the deeper meaning behind the song:
“Shadowlife can be seen as a thematic gateway to the entire record — an elegy not only for a lost beloved, but also for the fading belief that anything beautiful can remain untouched by time.”
According to Sevänen, the track explores the inevitable loss of love, youth, warmth, and innocence, leaving listeners suspended between longing and acceptance.
Guitarist and clean vocalist Markus Vanhala revealed that he intentionally aimed to craft an accessible anthem for the album’s first taste.
“I set out to write an obvious hit — perhaps even a so-called ‘banger’ — to kick things off, but don’t worry: the deeper cuts will follow.”
Vanhala added that the band’s tenth album represents a significant milestone, honoring INSOMNIUM’s history while introducing fresh musical elements.
The release of “Shadowlife” coincides with an extensive touring schedule. The band will appear at several European festivals this summer before embarking on a Finnish headline run with support from Kaunis Kuolematon in October and November. Early next year, INSOMNIUM will join forces with Amorphis and Unto Others for a major European tour spanning Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and several other countries.
Since emerging from the Finnish region of Karelia, INSOMNIUM have built a reputation for combining haunting melodies with the intensity of melodic death metal. Their forthcoming tenth album promises to continue that tradition while exploring new emotional and sonic territory.
INSOMNIUM Lineup:
- Ville Friman — Guitar, Clean Vocals
- Tomy Laisto — Guitar, Clean Vocals
- Niilo Sevänen — Vocals, Bass
- Markus Vanhala — Guitar, Clean Vocals
- Markus Hirvonen — Drums, Percussion