I marvel at bands that are so incredibly consistent. Draconian recently released their eighth studio album, which makes eight strong albums. I love every single one. The new record is called In Somnolent Ruin and it launched on May 8th.
Draconian come to us from Sweden. They’ve been active since 1994 and have produced some of my favorite doom albums ever. They recently lost Heike Langhans as their co-vocalist after two masterpiece records, Sovran and Under a Godless Veil, but they gained back classic siren vocalist Lisa Johansson, who sings on most of their older albums. The rest of the lineup includes Johan Ericson on guitars, vocals, and keys; Anders Jacobsson on harsh vox; Daniel Arvidsson on bass, Niklas Nord on guitar; and Daniel Johansson on drums. You’ll also hear Daniel Änghede of ISON on guest vocals on one track and Simon Bibby on narration.
The band is known for their elegant, poetic, and meaningful Gothic doom metal. They tend to have longer songs with fascinating song structures, they employ harsh vocals paired with a siren, thus oozing with contrast, and they provide intelligent lyrics that often address Gnosticism and cosmic truths. I find their music spellbinding and introspective.
While I wouldn’t call myself a fanboy, I do love all their albums. For the fans, I’ll say my favorite records are Arcane Rain Fell (2005), Turning Season Within (2008), Sovran (2015), and Under a Godless Veil (2020). At this stage, the band is turning out a new album about every five years, and while they are always worth the wait, I do wish we’d get more than that.
In Somnolent Ruin is a powerful and vivid album. I don’t know the specifics of the lyrics, but the feelings I get are encouragement to arise and wake up, to live life with both eyes open and alert, to embrace the oneness and diversity of humanity. The album weeps for the violence and hate that seem to reign unchecked on this planet.
The album has nine tracks and I love them all. I will say that I like the second half a little more. In the first half we get the opener “I Welcome Thy Arrow”, a cinematic introduction to the Romantic dream. Then we get a favorite of mine, “The Monochrome Blade”, a classic Draconian tune with powerful lyrics and a heavy chorus. Next is “Anima” with Daniel of ISON, and this one is really growing on me; the vocal harmonies make it stand out. The first half ends with “The Face of God” and “I Gave You Wings”. They are a great pair of tracks with sorrowful lyrics becoming more hopeful, and I love the way Lisa shines, as she does on the entire record. “The Face of God” is particularly moving.
The second half just doesn’t miss. “Asteria Beneath the Tranquil Sea” is a shorter cinematic piece with Lisa beaming brightly. It leads directly into “Cold Heavens”, the terrific single with some more energetic portions that remind me of Turning Season Within. Next is my overall favorite, “Misanthrope River”, in which Lisa hits some incredible notes, and damn it, the song is just so sing-able and flowing. I love the lyrical sentiments and grace of its poetry. The album closes with another favorite, “Lethe”, a burgeoning piece that hovers in starlight. I love the last few minutes of melodic guitar work that feels like the momentous ending to the story.
Draconian don’t miss, even if the albums take some time to release. In Somnolent Ruin isn’t as diverse as the last couple albums, but it is classic Draconian with all their beauty, Romanticism, and haunting ambience. I can’t get enough right now.
___________
Find Draconian online:
___________
The PROG Mind 