Established in 2002, Montreal deathcore pioneers Despised Icon return with their seventh full-length album, “Shadow Work”. The album marks a significant chapter for a band whose core lineup has remained largely unchanged since its inception, allowing them to stay grounded in the sound and spirit they helped define.
Lyrically, “Shadow Work” explores themes of resilience and inner healing, drawing inspiration from the psychological process of confronting and integrating one’s darker aspects. It’s a deeply introspective record that reflects both personal growth and the turbulence of the world around us.
Their first new music in six years, the album stands as Despised Icon’s most fine-tuned and dynamic effort to date, balancing relentless speed, crushing grooves, and morbid melodies, while remaining true to their signature blend of extreme death metal and hardcore grit.
Produced by the band’s own
@alexerian514 and
@ericjarrin , “Shadow Work” was mixed and mastered by
@christiandonaldsonofficial (Cryptopsy, Shadow of Intent, Signs of the Swarm), with artwork by
@elirankantor (Hatebreed, Thy Art Is Murder, Cavalera).
Featuring guest vocals by
@nomorexheadtrips (Kublai Khan TX),
@scottianlewis (Carnifex), and Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin, Darko US), “Shadow Work” will be released on October 31, 2025, via
@nuclearblastrecords
We’re currently putting the final touches on our first music video and can’t wait to share new music with you all. We will have more updates soon. For now, you can pre-save the album on
@spotify and
@applemusic . Thank you all for the continued support over the years.
-Alex, Steve, Eric, Ben, Seb, Grind
Track Listing:
01. Shadow Work
02. Over My Dead Body
03. Death Of An Artist
04. Corpse Pose
05. The Apparition
06. Reaper
07. In Memoriam
08. Omen Of Misfortune
09. Obsessive Compulsive Disaster
10. ContreCoeur
11. Fallen Ones
