| Origin | Boden, Norrbotten, Sweden |
|---|---|
| Genre | Progressive death metal, melodic death metal, atmospheric black metal |
| Years active | 2007-present |
| Label | Willowtip |
| Current members | Robert Stenvall Karl Westerlund Christian Berglönn Isak Nilsson |
| Past members | Daniel Johansson Fredrik Kruse Martin Strandell Tobias Larsson Hugo Larsson Marcus Ek |
An Abstract Illusion are a Swedish progressive death metal band. They have released three studio albums and an EP.
History
Since forming in 2007, An Abstract Illusion released an EP in 2014 titled Atonement is Nigh and their independent debut album Illuminate the Path, the latter having been released on 27 July 2016 and featuring a cover of "Svartesmeden och Lundamyrstrollet" by Windir.[1][2]
In 2022, the band announced that they have been signed to Willowtip Records.[3] Their second album and first one with the label, Woe was released on 9 September 2022, receiving positive feedback from reviewers.[4] Singles were released for the tracks "Slaves"[5] and "In the Heavens Above, You Will Become a Monster".[6]
Their third album, The Sleeping City, was released on 17 October 2025.[7] The album has also received positive feedback,[8] being elected by Loudwire as one of the 11 best progressive metal albums of 2025.[9] Singles were released for the tracks "No Dreams Beyond Empty Horizons"[10][11][12] and "Emmett".[13][14]
Musical style
An Abstract Illusion are an extreme metal band[4][8] known for their "atmospheric death metal" sound,[2] but they are more specifically described as progressive metal,[3][4][8][9] progressive death metal,[1][7][4][8][9] melodic death metal,[3][7][4][8] and black metal.[9]
Members
Current
- Robert Stenvall – keyboards, clean vocals (2007–present)
- Karl Westerlund – guitars (2007–present), bass (2015–present)
- Christian Berglönn – drums (2010–2020), harsh vocals (2014–present)
- Isak Nilsson – drums (live member: 2020–2024, full-time member: 2024–present)
Live
- Lukas Backeström - drums (2014–2015), bass, clean vocals (2020–present)
- Simon Burström - guitars (2020–present)
Former
- Daniel Johansson – drums (2007–2010)
- Fredrik Kruse – bass (2007–2008), harsh vocals (2007–2012)
- Martin Strandell – guitars (2007–2014), harsh vocals (2012–2014)
- Tobias Larsson – bass (2008–2014)
- Hugo Larsson – bass (2014–2015)
- Marcus Ek – guitars (2014–2015)
Discography
- Atonement Is Nigh (EP) (11 August 2014)
- Illuminate the Path (27 July 2016)
- Woe (9 September 2022)
- The Sleeping City (17 October 2025)
References
- ^ An Abstract Illusion - Stream Windir Cover
- ^ AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION: Track and info for “Illuminate the Path”
- ^ An Abstract Illusion - From Now On Part Of Willowtip Records
- ^ An Abstract Illusion - Woe review
- ^ An Abstract Illusion - Sophomore Album On The Way
- ^ AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION: second track from the new progressive death metal album “Woe”
- ^ "An Abstract Illusion - Detail Upcoming Third Album". Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ^ "An Abstract Illusion - The Sleeping City review". Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ^ Blum, Jordan (December 1, 2025). "The 11 Best Prog Metal Albums of 2025". Loudwire. Townsquare Media. Archived 2025-12-08 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
- ^ "NEWS: An Abstract Illusion live in a world without dreams...". Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ^ An Abstract Illusion - Release New Single access 2025-11-11, date 2025-07-31
- ^ AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION Announce New Album The Sleeping City, Streams Proggy First Single access 2025-11-11, date 2025-08-04
- ^ "AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION: second single from the new progressive death metal album “The Sleeping City”". Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ^ An Abstract Illusion - Premiere 'Emmett' Track & Lyric Video access 2025-11-11, date 2025-09-18