Despised Icon Win Juno Award for 'Shadow Work' and Reinforce Their Canadian Legacy

Canadian deathcore pioneers Despised Icon continue to reinforce their legacy with the recognition of “Shadow Work”, which received the Juno Award for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year.

The award highlights the band’s continued relevance within the extreme music scene, as well as their role in shaping the development of deathcore both in Canada and internationally.

Following the release of “Shadow Work”, the band have maintained a strong presence, combining technical precision with a more introspective approach to songwriting. The album reflects both personal themes and broader perspectives shaped by contemporary realities.

The band commented on the recognition:

“A big thank you… for recognizing that Canadian death metal and hardcore are part of Canadian culture… This is for Montreal!”

Produced by Alex Erian and Eric Jarrin, with mixing and mastering handled by Christian Donaldson, the album presents a refined and powerful sound that builds on the band’s established identity.

Visually, the album artwork created by Eliran Kantor reinforces the conceptual direction of the record, complementing its themes and atmosphere.

TRACKLIST
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

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Alex Erian
Steve Marois
Eric Jarrin
Ben Landreville
Sébastien Piché
Alex “Grind” Pelletier

With the recognition of “Shadow Work” at the Juno Awards, Despised Icon continue to solidify their position within Canadian metal, bridging their legacy with a continued presence in the modern extreme music landscape.

Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist

Photo Credit: CARAS | FUSE Reps | O'Shane Howard | @cadreartists | @retouch.house

Watch the video for “Shadow Work” below: