Swedish gothic doom titans DRACONIAN have unveiled ‚Anima‘, the third and final single from their forthcoming album ‚In Somnolent Ruin‘, due May 8, 2026 via Napalm Records. The track features Swedish artist Daniel Änghede and explores the duality of the human soul through a hauntingly atmospheric lens.DRACONIAN, Sweden’s undisputed leaders of gothic doom metal’s second wave, have released ‚Anima‘, the third and final single from their upcoming studio album ‚In Somnolent Ruin‘, set for release on May 8, 2026 via Napalm Records. The track features Swedish vocalist Daniel Änghede, whose ethereal contribution intertwines seamlessly with the voice of singer Lisa Johansson, creating what the band describes as a resonance both intimate and expansive.
Originating as a poem written by vocalist Anders Jacobsson in 2019, ‚Anima‘ explores the Jungian concept of the soul’s duality — the inner territories people tend to fear or avoid confronting. The track leans into a distinctly gothic atmosphere, setting it apart from DRACONIAN’s earlier material while remaining unmistakably theirs.
‚In Somnolent Ruin‘ marks a significant chapter in the band’s history, representing the return of Lisa Johansson and arriving six years after the critically acclaimed ‚Under a Godless Veil‘. The renewed lineup includes new guitarist Niklas Nord and full-time drummer Daniel Johansson, who joined in 2025 following Jerry Torstennson’s departure. Longtime member Daniel Arvidsson makes his debut on bass, having switched from guitar in 2022.
The nine-track album traverses themes of alienation, existential searching, and the fragile boundary between life and death. Press praise has been swift, with Legacy magazine calling it ‚an absolute must-have‘ and Distorted Sound declaring it ‚an epic doom metal triumph‘. DRACONIAN will support the release with extensive touring across Latin America, Europe, and Japan throughout 2026 and into 2027.
Photo: Therés Stephansdotter Björk