Despised Icon

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 Alex Erian and Eric Jarrin, Shadow Work was mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy, Shadow of Intent, Signs of the Swarm), with artwork by Eliran Kantor (Hatebreed, Thy Art Is Murder, Cavalera). Featuring guest vocals by Matthew Honeycutt (Kublai Khan TX), Scott Ian Lewis (Carnifex) and Tom Barber (Chelsea Grin, Darko US), Shadow Work will be released on October 31, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records. Grind forever.