Canadian deathcore pioneers Despised Icon return with their seventh full-length album, “Shadow Work”, which will be released on October 31st, 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.
Today, Despised Icon release their ferocious new anthem entitled, “Over My Dead Body” featuring Matt Honeycutt of Kublai Khan TX. The single features eerie atmospherics and a crushing breakdown that confronts fear and doubt with iron resolve — a battle cry of self-belief, pain, and purpose. Watch the music video directed by Didier Charette, below.
Alex Erian comments: “Even though our first jam dates back to the fall of 2000, it wasn’t until 2002 that we started playing shows and putting out music. From day one, Despised Icon has always stuck to a ‘if it’s not ready, it’s not ready’ mindset with everything we create. Fast forward almost six years since our last album Purgatory, and not much has changed. We’ve taken our time once again, and now we’re finally ready to turn the page and release what we feel is our most fine-tuned and dynamic record to date — staying grounded in the sound and spirit we helped define. We can’t wait to share new music with you all very soon”.
Nuclear Blast American Label Manager & A&R Tommy Jones comments: “The wait was well worth it! This is a fantastic album and I cannot wait for the world to hear it in it’s entirety. Great things come out of the shadows”.
“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).
Pre-order & pre-save “Shadow Work” here.
Tracklist:
1. Shadow Work
2. Over My Dead Body
3. Death of an Artist
4. Corpse Pose
5. The Apparition
6. Reaper
7. In Memoriam
8. Omen of Misfortune
9. Obsessive Compulsive Disaster
10. ContreCoeur
11. Fallen Ones
Earlier this week, Despised Icon announced they would join headliners Sanguisugabogg on their US 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.
North American Tour Dates 2025:
08.31 Rouyn-Noranda, QC @ Festival de Musique Emergente ^
09.20 Worcester, MA @ New England Metal and Hardcore Festival ^
11.04 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
11.05 Chicago, IL @ Metro
11.06 Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe (Old National Centre)
11.07 Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
11.08 Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
11.09 Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey
11.11 Phoenix, AZ @ The Nile Theater
11.12 Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
11.13 Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre
11.14 Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent
11.15 Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont Country Club
11.17 Dallas, TX @ Echo Lounge & Music Hall
11.18 Austin, TX @ Mohawk
11.19 Houston, TX @ White Oak (Downstairs)
11.21 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
11.22 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
11.23 Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
11.25 Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
11.26 Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
11.28 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
11.29 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
11.30 Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs
12.06 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda *sold out* ^
12.07 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda *Second show added* ^
^ (Despised Icon only)
Line-up:
Alex Erian – Vocals
Steve Marois – Vocals
Eric Jarrin – Guitars
Ben Landreville – Guitars
Sébastien Piché – Bass
Alex “Grind” Pelletier – Drums
