Swedish gothic doom entity Draconian drop new single ‘Misanthrope River’

Swedish gothic doom metal entity DRACONIAN reveal their new single, “Misantrophe River,” the second offering cut from their upcoming full-length, In Somnolent Ruin, to be released on May 8 via Napalm Records. “Misantrophe River” confronts listeners in true DRACONIAN fashion with life’s hardest questions, exploring feelings of alienation when swimming against the stream, and the search for direction in unfamiliar territory.

The undisputed leaders of the second wave of gothic doom metal are finally back — and they return in better shape than ever! In Somnolent Ruin promises to be one of the most personal records in DRACONIAN‘s discography, revealed through a dream-like journey across 9 tracks and the poetic lyricism of vocalist Anders Jacobsson. The new album also marks the return of long-time vocalist Lisa Johansson — the band’s vocalist for their first five records. 

Ander Jacobsson about the new single:

“‘Misanthrope River’ was the first song written for this album. The initial idea goes back to the early days of Under a Godless Veil, but it remained dormant until work on this record began. It’s an emotional gothic doom track- fairly minimalist, yet expansive in feel, with subtle touches that hint at post-metal and give the atmosphere a broader sense of depth. There’s a suggestion of something ancient and mysterious running through it. Although interactive, at its core, the song deals with separation and isolation in a world where the larger truth has been kept from you and how those feelings slowly turn into resentment. You’re pushing against the current wading upstream while doubting the way forward. In that struggle you’ll be grasping at straws for any sense of peace while unintentionally shutting out the one closest to you. Shot in the Faroe Islands, the video places its actors within vast, striking landscapes. It was directed by Gaui H., the same director behind ‘Cold Heavens.'”

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.

Pre-Order Your Copy of In Somnolent Ruin — NOW!

IN SOMNOLENT RUIN TRACK LISTING:
“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”

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 (Antikult, 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. It’s the first album on which longtime member Daniel Arvidsson can be heard on bass, to which he switched from guitar in 2022.

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.

DRACONIAN LIVE:
LATIN AMERICA:
5/16 – São Paulo, BR – Carioca Club
5/17 – Buenos Aires, AR – Teatro Flores
5/19 – Santiago, CL – Sala Metrónomo
5/21 – Bogotá, CO – Teatro Astor Plaza
5/23 – Mexico City, MX – Circo Volador

EUROPE:
8/6 – Jaroměř, CZ – Brutal Assault
9/25 – Madrid, ES – Revi Live
9/26 – Lisbon, PT – Under the Doom

JAPAN:
10/12 – Tokyo, JP – Shibuya Stream Hall
10/13 – Osaka, JP – Shinsaibashi Sunhall

EUROPEAN TOUR 2027:
2/18 – Hamburg, DE – Knust
2/19 – Berlin, DE – Lido
2/20 – Leipzig, DE – Hellraiser
2/21 – Kraków, PL – Hype Park
2/23 – Warsaw, PL – Hydrozagadka
2/24 – Vienna, AT – Szene
2/25 – Prague, CZ – Futurum Club
2/26 – Munich, DE – Backstage Halle
2/27 – Aschaffenburg, DE – Colos-Saal
2/28 – Milan, IT – Legend Club
3/2 – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU – Rockhal
3/3 – Oberhausen, DE – Kulttempel
3/4 – Utrecht, NL – Tivoli Vredenburg
3/5 – Kortrijk, BE – DVG
3/6 – Paris, FR – La Machine du Moulin Rouge
3/7 – London, UK – The Dome

DRACONIAN ARE:
Johan Ericson – Guitar, Vocals + Keys
Anders Jacobsson – Vocals
Lisa Johansson – Vocals
Daniel Arvidsson – Bass
Niklas Nord – Guitar
Daniel Johansson – Drums