Warrel Dane’s Final Recordings To Be Released This October

In December, the metal community lost Warrel Dane, vocalist for Nevermore and Sanctuary and one of the more unique metal singers in the genre’s history. He was 56.

At the time of his death, Dane was working on a new solo album with his backing band. The record was to be called Shadow Work–but obviously, it lost momentum after Dane’s death. Now, the band has chosen to release Shadow Work, along with Dane’s final known recordings. The album comes out October 26th, with a new song to be released August 21st.

Dane’s band made the following statement:

“Warrel came into our lives like a storm, took us into a very intense ride, we roamed endless roads into the unknown, into places that we never dreamed of both inside and outside our minds, and left. He was someone who lived with us, dreamed with us and enjoyed our hospitality, and in return gave us so much back. Some of us acted like his mother, some of us saw him as a father figure, some of us took care of him in some of his darkest moments. Yet he was a friend, and somehow, will be always there.

“To record such an album, and to work alongside an artist as gifted as Warrel, is somehow like being enthralled by his brightest light, and, at the same time being engulfed by his darkest shadow. There is so much to say, and yet nothing to say. In the meantime, we are proud to share this portrait of the storm we went through in form of art. Light, peace and love.”

Something about this album feels important. Plenty of musicians who die have their last recordings released, but…I don’t know. Maybe it’s that it was Dane’s solo band, or that the album’s title has a strange new meaning now that Dane is no longer a corporeal being. Either way, this one seems to come with a cloud surrounding it.

Keep an eye out for the first track and pre-sale info on 8/21.

[Via Blabbermouth]