Following their 2014 comeback, Swedish melodic death metal act The Duskfall will issue their first full-length physical release in over a decade, with The Everlasting Shadows available as a digi CD and an LP edition in two colours via The Circle Music this October.
Their sixth studio album, featuring nine tracks recorded and produced entirely by the band, is currently available on streaming services, and it’s been a decade-long saga of perseverance to get this far.
Formed in 1999 following the dissolution of Gates Of Ishtar, The Duskfall built a reputation for staying true to the old-school Swedish sound while remaining distinct from the modern metal landscape. However, the path to The Everlasting Shadows was nearly derailed by a series of profound personal tragedies and mental health struggles faced by frontman Mikael Sandorf.
Reflecting on the raw emotional weight behind the record, Sandorf was candid in his explanation. “The Everlasting Shadows… This album almost didn’t happen. First of all, I would like to thank all our fans for your everlasting patience and support during all these years when there was only silence coming out of our part of the woods! These last 10 years have been a long personal struggle for me, with Oscar’s and then my brother Jannes’ death really taking a huge toll on my mental energy and enthusiasm for everything in life. Adding to that, my wife got diagnosed with cancer and in a short period of time, we have also lost two more close family members.”
His usual creative outlet became a source of pressure during these difficult years. “I hope that you can understand my frustration when the thing I usually have always found joy and solace from became a dread that only produced stress and anxiety for me. This album became such a monster to slay and an effort that I thought would never bring me anything but bad memories and regret. Now, with a newfound passion for music and as I listen through the songs of the album, I am so damn proud of what we have accomplished. Every beat, chug, growl and note bears a purpose, and I am so grateful for Anton’s relentless whip cracking of our backs and Sebastian’s tremendous effort in mixing this album.”
Recorded primarily in a home studio environment and produced by the band, The Everlasting Shadows had its final mixing and mastering undertaken by drummer Sebastian Lindgren at Abianaudio.
Sandorf considers this the strongest The Duskfall line-up to date, with Ronny Edlund on guitar, Patrik Forlund on lead guitar, Anton Lindbäck on bass, and Sebastian Lindgren on drums.
Tracks featured are ‘Entomb My Shadow’, ‘As Our Days Are Dying’, ‘The Everlasting Shadows’, ‘World Of Lies’, ‘Legion’, ‘Nights At The Graves’, ‘Knee Deep In The Grave’, ‘Golem’ and ‘Peacemaker’.
Regarding the physical release via The Circle Music, Sandorf said: “We are so proud and happy that we are finally able to release this juggernaut of an album through the fine people of The Circle Music in Greece. They are the perfect match of dedication and professionalism that will give this album the support it so well deserves. We can’t wait for you guys to have this album in your hands! Stay forever fallen!”
