It’s been almost 3 months since Finland’s SHADE OF SORROW released the debut album, ‘Upon the Fields of Sorrow,’ at the end of June. Since fans of morose, somber, melodic death metal have enjoyed the work and cathartic suffering band leader, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mika Kankainen composed and performed.
But Mika, continually never satisfied in his emotional journey, has created another sampling of the record in the shape of the “Gravedigger” video to further promote his cause and bend the ear of potential new fans and further give vision to his project.
“’Gravedigger’ is definitely one of the top tracks on this album,” confirms Mika. “It’s a very versatile song, with crushing heaviness and catchy melodies along with a very cool chorus that will bring eargasm for the listener. The lyric video is designed to follow the mood and atmosphere of the song delivering eerie and dark feelings that this track has to offer.”
You can listen to “Gravedigger” as part of the whole ‘Upon the Fields of Grief’ album, now available on all streaming/download digital platforms or better as part of the physical CD or limited (300) colored vinyl version found in stores or order online HERE https://lnk.to/shadeofsorrow
“Gravedigger” is the fifth song on the album to receive video treatment, preceded by the cuts “Blackheart” https://youtu.be/IDift3284ZE?
“No Return” https://youtu.be/uwVlQIMuJE0?
“Fabricated Hope,” https://youtu.be/zEH0APC5HwU?
“Meteor” https://youtu.be/0AEFPxye4iM?
SHADE OF SORROW is the expression of Mika Kankainen, the former drummer of Soul Terror and Warceremony, who was writing new material and playing all the instruments himself, including drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, while also handling vocals thus showcasing his immense talent and virtuosity. These songs started to catch the attention of other musicians and producers who in 2020 encouraged Mika to deliver on his potential and he began to record this material to share with the world. A year later digital singles and accompanying music videos started to premiere catching the attention of M-Theory Audio, who signed SHADE OF SORROW in 2023.
Working on ‘Upon the Fields of Grief’ with Mika was Esa Uusimaa (Crowen, Rain of Acid),who also mixed, and Saku Moilanen (Before the Dawn, Aeonian Sorrow, Red Moon Architect) with vocal production by Juha Kylmanen (To/Die/For, For My Pain…). Mastering was handled by Juho Raiha (Before the Dawn, Swallow the Sun). Mika did enlist a few friends to guest on the album, including members of Wolfheart and Rotting Christ to lay down a few solos and intros. The final touch was to package the album with striking cover art by Gogo Melone (Kamelot, Ablaze My Sorrow, Mariana’s Rest).
“‘Upon The Fields Of Grief’ is a massive album with a wide variety of layers, emotions, feelings and different atmospheres,” explains Mika. “I will take you to the journey of your life, where basically all human emotions come alive and basic instincts attack like a fierce wolf of the north. Enjoy listening!”