Belgian metal band Splendidula releases new single ‘Absentia’

Belgian atmospheric black doom band Splendidula unveils Absentia, third single and title track from the upcoming fourth full length album, set for release on April 3, 2026 via Argonauta Records. The song features guest vocals by Tim Yatras, known for his work with Austere and Germ. His presence adds an additional layer of vulnerability and gravity to a composition that stands at the emotional core of the record.

Tim Yatras reflects on his contribution: 

“I’ve known Splendidula for a while now. We shared the stage together with Austere, and Kristien sang live with Germ at a couple of festivals. Of course I was honoured, and said yes, when asked to add my voice to a song on their new album. Learning the story of their late friend Sven, to whom the album is dedicated, made the experience all the more poignant.”

Vocalist Kristien comments: 

“There was already a strong connection with Tim long before this collaboration. We truly admire his work with Germ and Austere, and there has always been a deep respect for the emotional honesty in his music. Germ appeared more than once in Sven’s farewell playlist, and it was a band he deeply connected with. When Tim invited me to perform live guest vocals for Germ, I was truly honoured, and it felt surprisingly meant to be. This eventually led to the idea of involving him in Absentia, giving the song, and the album as a whole, an even deeper meaning.”

Written in the aftermath of several personal tragedies, Absentia opens a new and vulnerable chapter for Splendidula. The album was created during a period marked by the passing of loved ones, including bassist Peter Chromiak. Musically, the band blends black metal and doom with fragile atmospheric passages, creating a sound drenched in sorrow, tension and introspection.

‘While the album is dedicated to the memory of the band’s late bassist Peter Chromiak, it is equally devoted to the memory of Sven, a close friend whose passing left a deep mark on the band. Absentia is not only a reflection on grief, but also a quiet tribute to those who remain present through memory, music, and shared experiences’.

Pre-orders for Absentia are now live at Argonauta Records and Bandcamp

Recorded by JDB at Kosmik Womb
Mixed by Tim De Gieter at Much Luv Studio
Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music

Music video by Artifacts From The Tangent Universe
Visuals by Mart Production, Cottonbro Studio & Matthias Groeneveld

Tracklist:

1. Absentia
2. Echoes of Quiet Remain
3. Donkerte
4. Dalkuldar
5. Kilte
6. Let It Come to an End

Splendidula is an atmospheric black doom band from Belgium, active since 2008. Over the years, three full-length albums have been released: Splendidula, Post Mortem and Somnus, shaping a sound of crushing riffs, layered vocals and dense melancholy. In 2022, the sudden loss of bassist Peter left a profound impact, leading to a lineup rebuild and a shift toward even more emotionally charged music. The standalone single Behind My Semblance (2024) offered a first glimpse into this evolution.

FFO: Alcest, My Dying Bride, Amenra, Sylvaine, Austere.

Splendidula is:
Drums, Bass & Synths – Joachim
Vocals – Kristien
Guitar & Vocals – Guy