Draconian - Sovran (Premiere)

October 26, 2015

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For those like me who fell hard for the gothic doom metal sound, Draconian should be a familiar name. If not, take this to heart: the band’s classic output is as strong as that of the Peaceville Three (Anathema, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride) and Katatonia. Despite the strength of their back catalog, Draconian never really got a fair shake for a few reasons. for one, the band took nine years to put out their debut record, and for another while their peers went through awkward alternative rock phases, Draconian simply went on hiatus.

Sovran could be the band’s redemption shot. It’s their first album since reforming with new vocalist Heike Langhans, and her talented pipes are put to good use. I like Sovran as much as the latest My Dying Bride album—it may be their strongest record since Arcane Rain Fell. Guitarist and band leader Johan Ericson agrees, and had this to say:

In a way Sovran feels like a comeback album for us. We really turned ourselves inside out to come up with an album that’s represents Draconian in full fashion. Introducing our new singer, the great Heike Langhans for the first time with what could maybe be the most important album in our career.

Stream Sovran below for your crestfallen doom fix of the day, and leave comments below.

—Joseph Schafer

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