DESPISED ICON Unleash Music Video For New Single “The Apparition”

Canadian deathcore pioneers, Despised Icon, return with their seventh full-length album, Shadow Work, out on October 31 via Nuclear Blast Records. 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.

From crushing riffs and blistering blast beats to a seismic breakdown, “The Apparition” unleashes Despised Icon’s dynamic chaos. A visceral anthem of loyalty tested and spirits fractured beyond repair, its lyrics are a haunting exploration of betrayal, brotherhood, and inner ruin. Watch the music video, directed by Simon Marchand of Disjonctés Production, below.

Despised Icon’s Eric Jarrin comments, “We are really stoked to present this third single to all of you. ‘The Apparition’ holds a special place in my heart as it is the last song I wrote for this record. With the help of Alex for the arrangements, I allowed myself to push the melodic enveloppe a bit further and came up with one of the most crushing breakdowns on the album.

This song also marks our first collaboration with Simon and Disjonctés Productions. Not only did he understand the very personal lyrics of ‘The Apparition,’ Simon found a very artistic way to translate it into images while encompassing the energy of the band performing. Thanks for watching.”

Stream “The Apparition” here.

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).

Shadow Work is now available for pre-order in the following formats:

– CD Jewelcase
– Gold & Black Corona Vinyl

Pre-order/pre-save Shadow Work here.

Shadow Work tracklisting:

“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”

“Death Of An Artist” video:

“Over My Dead Body” video:

In less than three weeks, Despised Icon will join headliner’s Sanguisugabogg on their US tour. The 22-date trek, which includes Defeated Sanity and Corpse Pile as support, will kick off in Detroit on November 4 and make stops in Santa Ana, Houston and New York concluding on November 30 in Columbus, OH. Following the tour, the band will headline two sold-out hometown shows on December 6 and 7 at Club Soda.

Tour dates:

November
4 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrews Hall
5 – Chicago, IL – Metro
6 – Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe (Old National Centre)
7 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada
8 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
9 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey
11 – Phoenix, AZ – The Nile Theater
12 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
13 – Berkeley, CA – UC Theatre
14 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent
15 – Las Vegas, NV – Fremont Country Club
17 – Dallas, TX – Echo Lounge & Music Hall
18 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
19 – Houston, TX – White Oak (Downstairs)
21 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
22 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
23 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
25 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre
26 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
28 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
29 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
30 – Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs