New album, “In Darkness All Shadows Gone”, out on October 2nd!
Since emerging from Colombia in 2007, ESHTADUR have steadily established themselves as one of South America’s most compelling extreme metal acts. Through a combination of melodic death metal, black metal and richly orchestrated arrangements, the band has developed a distinctive artistic identity that continues to evolve with each release. Years of touring across Europe and North America, together with performances alongside internationally renowned artists including Behemoth, Deicide, Vader, Hate and Exodus, have earned ESHTADUR recognition well beyond their home country. Their fifth studio album, “In Darkness All Shadows Gone”, marks a significant step forward in both composition and artistic vision presenting the band’s most refined and immersive work to date.
Rather than functioning as a simple collection of songs, “In Darkness All Shadows Gone” unfolds as a fully developed concept album inspired by mysticism, esoteric philosophy and the pursuit of self-knowledge. At the centre of the narrative stands The Crow, a symbolic shamanic figure who exists between life, death and the unknown, acting simultaneously as guide and seeker. Across twelve interconnected chapters, the album explores ancestral wisdom, occult symbolism and the transformative power of confronting one’s own darkness. Instead of portraying shadow as a place of despair, ESHTADUR present it as the necessary threshold through which awareness, growth and enlightenment can ultimately emerge.
Musically, the album expands the band’s established sound while remaining firmly rooted in extreme metal. Melodic death metal provides the foundation, enriched by black metal intensity, symphonic arrangements, ritualistic passages, folk influences and the striking inclusion of Tuvan throat singing. Heavy guitar work alternates seamlessly with expansive orchestral textures, creating a rich sonic landscape where aggression and elegance coexist naturally. Layered vocal performances, dynamic compositions and carefully crafted arrangements ensure that each track contributes to the broader narrative while maintaining its own distinctive character. The resulting balance of power, melody and atmosphere will resonate strongly with listeners of Septicflesh, Dissection, At The Gates and contemporary symphonic extreme metal.
The album’s progression is reflected through a sequence of compositions that gradually reveal the evolution of its central character. “Into The Woods” serves as the gateway into the story, introducing an atmosphere of mystery and initiation. “August’s Burdens” pairs memorable melodies with imposing orchestral passages while featuring a guest guitar solo from Christopher Malmström (Darkane). Tracks such as “Fire Above Mountain Below” and “Umbra” further demonstrate ESHTADUR’s ability to merge technical precision with emotional depth while “Omen Of Millennia” delves into themes of reincarnation and spiritual inheritance. The closing piece, “Soy Real”, brings the narrative full circle offering a powerful conclusion in which self-awareness ultimately triumphs over fear and uncertainty.
The album’s production reflects years of meticulous writing, arrangement and studio work led by vocalist and guitarist Jorg August, who composed the music, wrote the lyrics and developed the orchestral score. Recording sessions took place at RockStar Studios Colombia while the orchestral performances were captured with the Caldas Symphonic Orchestra at Batuta’s Theater in Manizales adding remarkable depth and scale to the overall sound. The final mix and mastering were handled by acclaimed Polish engineer Tomasz “Zed” Zalewski with Chris Clancy contributing additional mixing and mastering on selected tracks. Further enhancing the album’s international profile, the recording features guest appearances from respected musicians including Christopher Malmström (Darkane), Richie Brown (I Am Morbid), Hubert Więcek (Banisher) and Camilo Barbosa while drum tracking was completed in Poland by Michał Łysejko (Dieth).
Beyond its musical dimension, “In Darkness All Shadows Gone” embraces a coherent artistic identity in which sound, symbolism and imagery support the same overarching vision. The visual concept consistently reflects themes of mysticism, ritual, ancestral wisdom and the dialogue between darkness and illumination. Rather than functioning as a decorative element, the imagery reinforces the philosophical core of the record, extending its narrative beyond the music and contributing to a unified artistic experience.
ESHTADUR’s reputation has also been built through an intense live activity that has taken the band to stages across Europe and the Americas. Years of touring and appearances alongside internationally acclaimed artists have shaped a performance style defined by precision, energy and emotional impact. The new material has been conceived with this live dimension firmly in mind, allowing the songs to retain their musical complexity while delivering immediate power in front of an audience. Whether performed in clubs or at major festivals, the compositions preserve the dramatic intensity that characterizes the band’s studio work.
With “In Darkness All Shadows Gone”, ESHTADUR reach a new level of artistic maturity, presenting a work that combines compositional ambition, technical precision and genuine emotional depth. Without compromising their extreme metal roots, the band expands its musical language through sophisticated orchestral writing, compelling melodies and a carefully developed conceptual framework. The result is an album that rewards repeated listening and offers journalists, reviewers and audiences alike a rich combination of musical substance, narrative depth and artistic identity, firmly positioning ESHTADUR among the most distinctive contemporary voices in symphonic blackened death metal.
