Canadian deathcore pioneers DESPISED ICON return with their seventh full-length album, Shadow Work which will be released on October 31, 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.

Driven by DESPISED ICON's trademark fusion of explosive blast beats and crushing breakdowns, 'Death of an Artist' is a merciless journey through the psychological turmoil of self-doubt, ego death, and rebirth. Defined by raw intensity and unyielding resolve, the lyrics follow a powerful journey of transformation: an artist confronts fading dreams and broken promises before emerging stronger through ruin and redemption. Watch the music video directed by Jessy Fuchs, below.

DESPISED ICON's Alex Erian comments, "We promised a rollercoaster with this record, and it’s time to deliver. Where “Over My Dead Body” leaned into crushing grooves and dissonance, 'Death Of An Artist' pushes the pedal down with pure speed and technicality. This one is not only my favorite track on the album, it’s also the most personal. You can hear the echoes of the classic Death Metal bands that shaped us running through some of these riffs. We’re just getting started. Thanks for listening."

Pre-order/pre-save Shadow Work:
https://despisedicon.bfan.link/shadow-work

Stream 'Death Of An Artist': https://despisedicon.bfan.link/death-of-an-artist

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).

Earlier this week, DESPISED ICON announced they would join headliner's SANGUISUGABOGG on their U.S. tour. Joining the package as support are DEFEATED SANITY, and CORPSE PILE. Prior to the 22-date trek, the band will make appearances at 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.

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* ^