Draconian (feat. Daniel Änghede) - 'Anima' (lyric video)

Anima,
Break me
Defend me
before the storm...
Anima
Recover me
Defend me
before the storm
envelopes me

For my heart is tired
Tired from trying
Freeing the soul
From all of this dying
From shipwrecks and tides
and counterfeit smiles
‘til You; my Anima dies

Anima,
Don’t forsake me
Breathe life into me
Console me
so I don’t turn blind
Not to fade as Saturn passes by

For my heart is tired
Tired from trying
Freeing the soul
From all of this dying
From shipwrecks and tides
and counterfeit smiles
‘til You; my Anima dies

Anima
I kiss the lights...
My co-creator in silence
It's the darkling grace
of this spectral bride within
I lie awake with the rustlings
in the attic of my mind
The harrowing trauma
paints the shadow that walks beside me

Oh Anima
You’re the wind in my sail
and the heartbreak in my smile
You’re the tender whisper as I die

For my heart is tired
Tired from trying
Freeing the soul
From all of this dying
From shipwrecks and tides
and counterfeit smiles
‘til You; my Anima dies

Anima,
Watch over me!

Δισκογραφική επιστροφή μετά από έξι ουσιαστικά χρόνια για τους Draconian. Ο διάδοχος του δίσκου "Under a Godless Veil" (2020) και όγδοο συνολικά full length album των Σουηδών gothic metallers φέρει τον τίτλο "In Somnolent Ruin" και κυκλοφορεί ήδη. Νέο μέλος στο συγκρότημα ο Daniel Johansson (τύμπανα), ο οποίος εντάχθηκε πέρυσι (το 2025).

Δελτίο τύπου: «"Swedish gothic doom entity Draconian is finally back! Their new studio album, In Somnolent Ruin, will creep its way from the artist’s spirit into the light of day on May 8, 2026 via Napalm Records.

This promises to be one of the most personal records in the band’s discography, revealed through a dreamlike journey across nine tracks and the poetic lyricism of vocalist Anders Jacobsson. As a recurring theme, Draconian explore Plato’s theory of the soul - an element that was not planned from the very beginning, but instead emerged organically during the creation of In Somnolent Ruin.

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 (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.

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.

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."»

Band: Draconian
Country of origin: Sweden
Location: Säffle, Värmland
Formed in: 1994
Genre: Gothic/Doom/Death Metal
Years active: 1994 (as Kerberos), 1994-present

Video: "Anima"
Video by: Gaui H Pic
Album: "In Somnolent Ruin"
Type: Full length
Release date: May 8th, 2026
Label: Napalm Records
Format: CD, 2CD, 2 12" vinyls, Digital

Band members:
Johan Ericson - Guitars (lead), Vocals (backing)
Anders Jacobsson - Vocals
Lisa Johansson - Vocals
Daniel Arvidsson - Bass
Niklas Nord - Guitars (rhythm)
Daniel Johansson - Drums

Guest/Session:
Simon Bibby - Vocals (narration)
Daniel Änghede - Vocals (track 3)

Miscellaneous staff:
Johan Ericson - Recording
Daniel Lidén - Recording, Mastering
Therés Björk - Photography
Agostino Arrivabene - Cover art