Swedish Gothic Doom Entity Draconian Drops Third Single “Anima” (feat. Daniel Änghede) + Lyric Video!

DRACONIAN, Sweden’s undisputed leader of the second wave of gothic doom metal, today releases "Anima," the final harbinger from their upcoming new studio album, In Somnolent Ruin, out this Friday, May 8, 2026, via Napalm Records. DRACONIAN’s third single tells a story about people behaving dualistically and being afraid to embrace their dark side as a means of escaping daily life. The track features Swedish artist Daniel Änghede, whose contribution adds layers of emotional depth while confronting listeners with their darker impulses, capturing the feeling of being lost and questioning one’s place in the world.

The band’s upcoming full-length, In Somnolent Ruin, marks the return of singer Lisa Johansson to the band and sees the light of day six years after its predecessor, Under a Godless Veil—DRACONIAN's most successful release 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 Lisa shortly after. The renewed lineup is rounded out by Daniel Johansson (Antikult, 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. It’s the first album on which longtime member Daniel Arvidsson can be heard on bass, to which he switched from guitar in 2022.

Ander Jacobsson about the new single:

“'Anima' began as a poem I wrote in 2019—an exploration of the soul’s duality and the inner territories we tend to avoid, or fear to face. It moves through paradox, cloaked as a flowing inward journey, culminating in a quiet reckoning: an acceptance of one’s own darkness, embraced rather than denied. The title itself nods to the Jungian archetype. Sonically, the track leans into a more gothic atmosphere than our earlier work. We invited Daniel Änghede to take on lead vocals, and his dreamy presence aligns seamlessly with the mood we envisioned. His voice intertwines beautifully with Lisa’s, creating a resonance that feels both intimate and expansive. 'Anima' stands apart on the album through its atmosphere, its intent, and the performance it carries. We sincerely hope it finds something in you.”

Watch the lyric video for “Anima” (feat. Daniel Änghede) NOW:

DRACONIAN - Anima feat. Daniel Änghede (Lyric Video) Napalm Records

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.

Pre-order your copy of In Somnolent Ruin HERE:

DRACONIAN Live 2026:

Latin America

• 16.05.26 BR – Sao Paulo / Carioca Club
• 17.05.26 AR – Buenos Aires / Teatro Flores
• 19.05.26 CL – Santiago / Sala Metronomo
• 21.05.26 CO – Bogota / Teatro Astor Plaza
• 23.05.26 MX – Mexico City / Circo Volador
• 06.08.26 CZ – Jaromer / Brutal Assault
• 25.09.26 ES – Madrid / Revi Live
• 26.09.26 PT – Lisbon / Under the Doom

Japan Tour

• 12.10.26 JP – Tokyo / Shibuya Stream Hall
• 13.10.26 JP – Osaka / Shinsaibashi Sunhall

EU tour 2027

• 18.02.27 DE – Hamburg/ Knust
• 19.02.27 DE – Berlin / Lido
• 20.02.27 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser
• 21.02.27 PL – Krakow / Hype Park
• 23.02.27 PL – Warsaw / Hydrozagadka
• 24.02.27 AT – Vienna / Szene
• 25.02.27 CZ – Prague / Futurum Club
• 26.02.27 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle
• 27.02.27 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal
• 28.02.27 IT – Milan / Legend Club
• 02.03.27 LU – Esch-sur-Alzette / Rockhal
• 03.03.27 DE – Oberhausen / Kulttempel
• 04.03.27 NL – Utrecht / Tivoli Vredenburg
• 05.03.27 BE – Kortrijk / DVG
• 06.03.27 FR – Paris / La Machine Du Moulin Rouge
• 07.03.27 UK – London / The Dome