Canadian deathcore pioneers DESPISED ICON return with their seventh full-length album, Shadow Work which will be released on October 31, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Their first new music in six years, 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.
Driven by DESPISED ICON‘s trademark fusion of explosive blast beats and crushing breakdowns, ‘Death of an Artist‘ is a merciless journey through the psychological turmoil of self-doubt, ego death, and rebirth. Defined by raw intensity and unyielding resolve, the lyrics follow a powerful journey of transformation: an artist confronts fading dreams and broken promises before emerging stronger through ruin and redemption. Watch the music video directed by Jessy Fuchs, below.
DESPISED ICON‘s Alex Erian comments, “We promised a rollercoaster with this record, and it’s time to deliver. Where ‘Over My Dead Body’ leaned into crushing grooves and dissonance, ‘Death Of An Artist’ pushes the pedal down with pure speed and technicality. This one is not only my favorite track on the album, it’s also the most personal. You can hear the echoes of the classic Death Metal bands that shaped us running through some of these riffs. We’re just getting started. Thanks for listening.”
Pre-order/pre-save Shadow Work:
https://despisedicon.bfan.link/shadow-work
Stream ‘Death Of An Artist‘: https://despisedicon.bfan.link/death-of-an-artist
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).
Shadow Work Tracklisting:
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
Earlier this week, DESPISED ICON announced they would join headliners SANGUISUGABOGG on their U.S. tour. Joining the package as support are DEFEATED SANITY, and CORPSE PILE. Prior to the 22-date trek, the band will make appearances at Festival de Musique Emergente and the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. The run will conclude with 2 headliner hometown shows on December 6th (sold out) and 7th at Club Soda.
🎟️ TOUR DATES & TICKETS https://www.despisedicon.com
