THE BEAST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ETHEREAL DARKNESS CROWNED BAND OF THE MONTH AFTER DOMINATING WITH 339,768 VOTES

Belgium — Rising melodic doom force ETHEREAL DARKNESS have been officially crowned Battle of the Bands Champions and Band of the Month for April 2026, racking up a massive 339,768 votes in a decisive victory fueled by overwhelming fan support worldwide.

What started as a one-man project has now evolved into a full-fledged band ready to take on the global stage. Helmed by mastermind Lars, ETHEREAL DARKNESS first turned heads with their independently released debut Smoke and Shadows , showcasing a deeply atmospheric blend of melancholic doom and melodic death metal. Now, with their latest release Echoes , the band has elevated their sound to towering new heights.

Released March 20, 2026, Echoes is a sprawling, 60-minute journey through crushing melodoom landscapes, combining emotional depth with cinematic scale. Featuring production by legendary producer Dan Swanö and artwork by renowned artist Adam Burke, the album represents a significant leap forward in both ambition and execution.

Critics have taken notice. A standout review from Angry Metal Guy praised the album as “a sumptuous feast for the ears and mind,” highlighting its massive compositions, immersive atmosphere, and standout tracks like “Gone With the Tide” and “The Cycle.” Drawing comparisons to genre heavyweights such as Insomnium, Be’lakor, and Before the Dawn, ETHEREAL DARKNESS have firmly planted themselves among the modern elite of melodic doom and death metal.

The album blends soaring clean vocals, punishing death growls, and carefully layered instrumentation, with Lars handling guitars, bass, keyboards, and harsh vocals. The addition of live musicians, including acoustic guitarist and clean vocalist Brecht and drummer Peter, brings a newfound depth and organic power to the band’s sound.

With Echoes , ETHEREAL DARKNESS deliver an experience that is as expansive as it is emotionally gripping. From sweeping epics to blackened bursts of intensity, the record pushes boundaries while staying rooted in the traditions that define the genre.

This overwhelming victory, with nearly 340,000 votes, marks a major milestone for ETHEREAL DARKNESS and signals their arrival as a serious force in the metal underground. The band’s rapid ascent is a testament to both their musical vision and the dedication of a growing global fanbase hungry for substance and authenticity.

ETHEREAL DARKNESS is:

Lars – Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Harsh Vocals
Brecht – Acoustic Guitar, Clean Vocals
Peter – Drums

Echoes is available now worldwide.

Support and follow ETHEREAL DARKNESS:
https://etherealdarkness.bandcamp.com
https://facebook.com/etherealplace
https://instagram.com/etherealdarknessband