photo credit: Chad Michael Ward

Swedish gothic doom outfit Draconian have announced the band’s latest lineup. In addition to the group recently introducing their new guitarist, Niklas Nord (Myteri, DeathTrap, The Random Victims), the band has revealed vocalist Lisa Johansson as their new singer. Johansson sang on the first five albums and has officially rejoined as a permanent member. The singer will sing alongside Anders Jacobsson. 

Due to personal reasons, Johansson initially had to leave after the group’s fifth studio album, A Rose For The Apocalypse. The band recruited Heike Langhans back in 2012, who is now leaving the group to focus on family and her other musical projects. Draconian have also revealed they will play at this year’s Hellfest on June 25th as a seven-piece special arrangement, with both Lisa and Heike on stage, marking Heike’s final performance with the group. 

Langhans comments:

“10 years with any band is no small thing and I thank Draconian for the wonderful opportunities and challenges that made me confident in my path forward. The time has come for me to start a new chapter in music and life that requires my undivided focus. I’m so grateful to Lisa for being here to step in and seeing the old songs performed in the way they should be, will be as much of a treat for me as the rest of our listeners! Thank you for all the friends and supportive fans I met along the way. I have much more in store for you all this year, so please no sadness. I wish the band great success in 2022 and beyond! “

Johansson adds:

“With great excitement and with a humble heart, I rejoin Draconian. I’m still a bit surprised that Johan called to ask me if I could consider touring with Draconian again. Also that I said, without any hesitation, ‘Sure, I will!’ I wish my newfound friend Heike Langhans – who has the most beautiful voice – all the best of luck and prosperity in her future. I’ll try my best to do her songs justice. See you on the road!”