Published: June 18, 2026 · 12:57 AM EDT
The Finnish melodic death metal band unveil the first song from their forthcoming album and announce new tour dates across Europe
INSOMNIUM have released "Shadowlife", the first single and video from the band's upcoming studio album, scheduled for release in October 2026.
The song serves as the first preview of Insomnium's tenth studio album and introduces the themes that will be explored throughout the forthcoming release.
Accompanying the single is a music video produced by Coldstore Productions.
According to vocalist and bassist Niilo Sevänen, "Shadowlife" functions as a thematic entry point to the new album.
"As a story, 'Shadowlife' can be seen as a thematic gateway to the entire record — an elegy not only for a lost beloved, but also for the fading belief that anything beautiful can remain untouched by time," Sevänen explained.
He further described the song as dealing with themes of loss, acceptance, memory, youth, and the passage of time.
Guitarist Markus Vanhala noted that the track was intentionally chosen as the opening introduction to the album.
"Album No. 10 is truly a defining milestone for us, so we wanted to honor our history while also introducing some new nuances," Vanhala stated.
The forthcoming release will be the tenth studio album in Insomnium's catalog.
Formed in Joensuu, Finland, Insomnium have built a discography that combines melodic death metal with atmospheric arrangements and lyrical themes centered on loss, memory, nature, and introspection.
"Shadowlife" introduces the first material from the band's next studio release and continues a recording career that spans more than two decades.
Alongside the release of the new single, Insomnium have announced a series of festival appearances and headline performances across Europe.
Among the upcoming dates are appearances at:
Plane'R Fest (France)
Kaaos Festival (Finland)
Rockstadt Extreme Fest (Romania)
Brutal Assault (Czech Republic)
and a special performance with Amorphis at Olavinlinna in Finland.
The band will also perform an extensive Finnish tour in late 2026 before joining Amorphis and Unto Others for a European tour scheduled for early 2027.
INSOMNIUM LINE-UP
Niilo Sevänen — Vocals, Bass
Markus Vanhala — Guitar, Clean Vocals
Ville Friman — Guitar, Clean Vocals
Tomy Laisto — Guitar, Clean Vocals
Markus Hirvonen — Drums, Percussion
For more than twenty years, Insomnium have remained one of Finland's most recognizable melodic death metal bands, releasing a series of albums that expanded their audience beyond the Nordic metal scene. The arrival of "Shadowlife" begins the promotional cycle for the band's tenth studio album and documents the latest stage in their evolution.
"Shadowlife" provides the first look at Insomnium's upcoming tenth studio album, due in October 2026. The single arrives alongside a new video and an extensive touring schedule that will take the band across Europe through 2026 and 2027.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
photo by Terhi Ylimäinen
Watch the official music video for "Shadowlife" below.
