
Canadian deathcore trailblazers DESPISED ICON are back with their seventh studio album, Shadow Work, arriving October 31, 2025, via Nuclear Blast Records.
Marking their first release in six years, Shadow Work showcases the band at their sharpest—balancing breakneck aggression, crushing grooves, and haunting melodies while staying true to their trademark fusion of death metal brutality and hardcore grit.
Kicking off this new era, DESPISED ICON have unveiled the single “Over My Dead Body” featuring Matt Honeycutt of KUBLAI KHAN TX. The track combines eerie soundscapes with bone-crushing breakdowns, serving as an anthem of defiance, resilience, and inner strength. Its official video, directed by Didier Charette, is out now.
Frontman Alex Erian reflected on the long-awaited return:
“From the start, we’ve always lived by the rule—if it’s not ready, it’s not ready. Nearly six years have passed since Purgatory, and we once again took our time to make sure this record represents our most dynamic and well-honed work yet. We can’t wait for you all to hear it.”
Produced by Alex Erian and Eric Jarrin, with mixing and mastering by Christian Donaldson (CRYPTOPSY, SHADOW OF INTENT, SIGNS OF THE SWARM), the record explores deeply personal themes against a backdrop of global turmoil. Renowned artist Eliran Kantor (HATEBREED, THY ART IS MURDER, CAVALERA) created the striking cover art.
Nuclear Blast’s A&R Tommy Jones adds:
“The wait was absolutely worth it—Shadow Work is a phenomenal album. Sometimes the best creations really do come out of the shadows.”
Shadow Work is available now for pre-order in multiple formats, including CD Jewelcase and limited Gold & Black Corona vinyl.
Tracklist:
Shadow Work
Over My Dead Body
Death Of An Artist
Corpse Pose
The Apparition
Reaper
In Memoriam
Omen Of Misfortune
Obsessive Compulsive Disaster
ContreCoeur
Fallen Ones
Alongside the album launch, DESPISED ICON will join SANGUISUGABOGG’s U.S. headlining tour this fall, with DEFEATED SANITY and CORPSE PILE in support. The run includes stops at Festival de Musique Emergente, New England Metal & Hardcore Festival, and two sold-out hometown shows at Montreal’s Club Soda in December.
Line-up:
Alex Erian – Vocals
Steve Marois – Vocals
Eric Jarrin – Guitars
Ben Landreville – Guitars
Sébastien Piché – Bass
Alex “Grind” Pelletier – Drums