More than a decade later, Finnish funeral doomsters Shape Of Despair are releasing a follow-up to Illusion's Play. And today is a big day because they are streaming the new song "Monotony Fields", taken from the new Shape Of Despair album of the same name. Also today, the band revealed the album cover art and tracklist. So you can take a look at all of that good stuff below. As for the music, enjoy it here. It's a 10-minute song to whet your appetite.
Described by guitarist Jarno Salomaa: "The song which reflects the album and its atmosphere the most... a slow trip into the mind of desperation."
I'm the lost one chasing colors to the sun
Colors bleed but never fade
Finnish funeral doom pioneers Shape Of Despair have unveiled details behind the release of the band's previously unreleased first demo Alone In The Mist. The demo was originally written and recorded in 1998 while the band was still known as Raven, and sees the legendary band's original take on the genre they would later innovate and popularize with their discography. The group is streaming the track "Shadowed Dreams" from Alone In The Mist now. Hear it here!
Alone In The Mist will see a first-ever release on December 9th on CD (limited to 1,000 copies) and limited double LP (with D-side etching, limited to 666 copies). Each format limited to a single pressing, and pre-orders are available now at the Season of Mist E-Shop.
Mastermind Jarno Salomaa comments: "So what exactly do you find on Alone In The Mist? Besides the first songs ever written for Shape Of Despair - at that time still named Raven - these represent my first ever attempt at doom as well. Those tracks are the outcome of solitary inspiration through dark woods and good music. This demo was never fully released - do not bother to ask why, because I cannot remember the reasons at all. Alone In The Mist was only tape traded without any cover or anything else with just a few people that we knew or were in contact with. Two of these songs came out officially a long way back, but soon you will get a chance to hear them all - with 'Shadowed Dreams' now given as a first preview."
Alone In The Mist has furthermore received artwork for the first time, which can now be viewed below.
I'm the lost one chasing colors to the sun
Colors bleed but never fade
