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 VoladorEUROPE:
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
