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Draconian is a Swedish gothic metal band formed in Säffle in 1994. The band's lineup had changed over the years, with only founding members Anders Jacobsson and Johan Ericson still active. Since the release of their first album Where Lovers Mourn in 2003 the lineup has been mostly stable, with Jerry Torstensson on drums, and Lisa Johansson and Heike Langhans alternately singing clean vocal parts. Since then 7 studio albums and various singles and music videos have been released.
In 2024 the band celebrated its 30th anniversary.[3]
History
Formation and demos (1994–2002)
Draconian was formed in 1994 in Säffle, Sweden. In May 1994, drummer and vocalist Johan Ericson, bassist and vocalist Jesper Stolpe and guitarist Andreas Hindenäs assembled the band Kerberos, initially playing melodic death metal with black metal influences. Seven months later, lead vocalist and lyrics composer Anders Jacobsson joined the band, and its name changed to Draconian.[4]
Their first demo, Shades of a Lost Moon, was recorded in 1995. Guests were flutist and vocalist Jessica Eriksson, keyboardist and vocalist Susanne Arvidsson, and Andreas Haag on the introductory section of "My Nemesis". It was released in February 1996,[4] however, no recording contract was obtained. In early 1997, the band proceeded to record their second demo, entitled In Glorious Victory. The band, however, became discontent with the quality of the recording and discontinued the release.[4]
In the following months, two members of Draconian had to complete their military service, slowing down the progress of the band. Susanne Arvidsson left the band for personal reasons and was replaced in 2001 by Lisa Johansson.
Both in 1998 and 1999, the band did some gigs. After receiving positive reactions, they decided to enter the studio once more. In August 1999, Draconian recorded The Closed Eyes of Paradise, an album dealing mostly with the theme of Lucifer and his fallen angels. Susanne Arvidsson made guest vocal appearances on this release. Between May and June 2000, Andreas Karlsson, Anders Jacobsson, and Johan Ericson worked on the mix, and the demo was released in the face of further line-up changes – Andreas Hindenäs left the band, replaced by Johan Ericson who switched to guitars; drums were then left to Jerry Torstensson.
The demo Dark Oceans We Cry was recorded in 2002, the first release to feature Lisa Johansson's vocals. The demo was made available on the internet, as well as in CD format. It received good reviews and the band signed a long-awaited record deal with Napalm Records.
Where Lovers Mourn and Arcane Rain Fell (2003–2005)
The band recorded their debut album, Where Lovers Mourn in Studio Mega under the supervision of Chris Silver (former member of Sundown and Cemetery) in July 2003.[5] The album was released 20 October 2003.
In September 2004, under the direction of Pelle Saether, Draconian entered Studio Underground in Västerås to record their second studio album, Arcane Rain Fell. The album was released 24 January 2005.
The Burning Halo and Turning Season Within (2006–2008)
In 2006 they began working on their third release. However, due to myriad fan requests, the band decided to first deliver a bonus album to include remakes of old tracks from The Closed Eyes of Paradise demo. The Burning Halo would also include three new tracks and two covers. Plagued by numerous problems throughout the production phases, the album was delayed and finally completed in June and released 29 September 2006.[4][6]
In September 2007, Draconian started to record their fourth album, Turning Season Within, at the Fascination Street Studios in Örebro with producers Jens Bogren and David Castillo (Opeth, Katatonia). The album was released 29 February 2008.
A Rose for the Apocalypse (2011–2012)
On 24 June 2011, Draconian released their fifth album A Rose for the Apocalypse.[7] On 25 June, the band released an official music video from the album A Rose for the Apocalypse for the song "The Last Hour of Ancient Sunlight."[8]
On 15 November, vocalist Lisa Johansson left the band for personal reasons, taking care of her newborn son and of her job as florist.[9] On 19 September 2012, the band officially announced their new vocalist, Heike Langhans, from South Africa.[10]
Sovran (2015–2016)
Draconian at Metal Gates 2018
On 30 October 2015, Sovran, the band's sixth studio album, was released via Napalm Records. It was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren, with whom they had previously worked, at Fascination Street Studios. Sovran is the first album of Draconian with Heike Langhans, who also co-wrote some of the lyrics.
On 10 February 2016, the band announced on its Facebook page that bassist Fredrik Johansson was leaving the band to spend more time with his family and due to his inability to tour with the band.[11] Daniel Änghede, who provided clean vocals on the song "Rivers Between Us" on Sovran, became his replacement for live concerts and as external bassplayer in their next album.
Under a Godless Veil (2020–present)
On 30 October 2020, Draconian released their seventh studio album, Under a Godless Veil. On 26 April 2022, Draconian announced that Niklas Nord had joined the band on rhythm guitar, and that longtime rhythm guitarist Daniel Arvidsson would switch to bass.[12]
On 3 May, Draconian announced that vocalist Heike Langhans would leave the band to focus on her own projects, and that former vocalist Lisa Johansson would rejoin the band.[13] They played a special farewell set with both singers at Hellfest 2022.
Band members
Current
Anders Jacobsson – unclean vocals (1994–present); keyboards, programming (1994–1999)
Johan Ericson – lead guitar (2002–present); backing vocals (1997–present); drums (1994–2002)
Lisa Johansson – clean vocals (2002–2011, 2022–present)
Jerry Torstensson – drums (2002–present)
Daniel Arvidsson – bass (2022–present); rhythm guitar (2005–2022)
