Despised Icon unleash their seventh full-length album, Shadow Work

In two weeks, Canadian deathcore pioneers DESPISED ICON unleash their seventh full-length album, Shadow Work which will be released on October 31, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. The album stands as the band'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.

From crushing riffs and blistering blast beats to a seismic breakdown, 'The Apparition' unleashes DESPISED ICON's dynamic chaos. A visceral anthem of loyalty tested and spirits fractured beyond repair, its lyrics are a haunting exploration of betrayal, brotherhood, and inner ruin. Watch the music video directed by Simon Marchand of Disjonctés Production, here: https://youtu.be/-ivNyOIE3n0

DESPISED ICON's Eric Jarrin comments, "We are really stoked to present this third single to all of you. 'The Apparition' holds a special place in my heart as it is the last song I wrote for this record. With the help of Alex for the arrangements, I allowed myself to push the melodic enveloppe a bit further and came up with one of the most crushing breakdowns on the album.

This song also marks our first collaboration with Simon and Disjonctés Productions. Not only did he understand the very personal lyrics of 'The Apparition,' Simon found a very artistic way to translate it into images while encompassing the energy of the band performing. Thanks for watching."

Pre-order/pre-save Shadow Work: https://despisedicon.bfan.link/shadow-work

Stream 'The Apparition': https://despisedicon.bfan.link/the-apparition

WATCH: 'The Apparition' music video

Shadow Work is now available for pre-order in the following formats:

• CD Jewelcase
• Gold & Black Corona Vinyl

Shadow Work was produced by the band’s own Alex Erian and Eric Jarrin, while Christian Donaldson (CRYPTOPSY, SHADOW OF INTENT, SIGNS OF THE SWARM) handled mixing and mastering. The album marks a significant chapter for a band whose core lineup has remained largely unchanged since its inception. It’s a deeply introspective record that reflects both personal growth and the turbulence of the world around us. The artwork for the album was created by Eliran Kantor (HATEBREED, THY ART IS MURDER, CAVALERA).

In less than 3 weeks, DESPISED ICON will join headliner's SANGUISUGABOGG on their U.S. tour. The 22-date trek, which includes DEFEATED SANITY, and CORPSE PILE as support, will kick off in Detroit on November 4th and make stops in Santa Ana, Houston and New York concluding on November 30th in Columbus, OH. Following the tour, the band will headline 2 sold-out hometown shows on December 6th and 7th at Club Soda.

• 11.04 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
• 11.05 Chicago, IL @ Metro
• 11.06 Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe (Old National Centre)
• 11.07 Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
• 11.08 Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
• 11.09 Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey
• 11.11 Phoenix, AZ @ The Nile Theater
• 11.12 Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
• 11.13 Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre
• 11.14 Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent
• 11.15 Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont Country Club
• 11.17 Dallas, TX @ Echo Lounge & Music Hall
• 11.18 Austin, TX @ Mohawk
• 11.19 Houston, TX @ White Oak (Downstairs)
• 11.21 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
• 11.22 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
• 11.23 Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
• 11.25 Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
• 11.26 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
• 11.28 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
• 11.29 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
• 11.30 Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs
• 12.06 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda *sold out*
• 12.07 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda *sold out*

- DESPISED ICON only