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.An Abstract Illusion - Stream Windir CoverAN ABSTRACT ILLUSION: Track and info for “Illuminate the Path”
In 2022, the band announced that they have been signed to Willowtip Records.An Abstract Illusion - From Now On Part Of Willowtip Records Their second album and first one with the label, Woe was released on 9 September 2022, receiving positive feedback from reviewers.An Abstract Illusion - Woe review Singles were released for the tracks "Slaves"An Abstract Illusion - Sophomore Album On The Way and "In the Heavens Above, You Will Become a Monster".AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION: second track from the new progressive death metal album “Woe”
Their third album, The Sleeping City, was released on 17 October 2025. The album has also received positive feedback, being elected by Loudwire as one of the 11 best progressive metal albums of 2025. Singles were released for the tracks "No Dreams Beyond Empty Horizons"An Abstract Illusion - Release New Single access 2025-11-11, date 2025-07-31AN ABSTRACT ILLUSION Announce New Album The Sleeping City, Streams Proggy First Single access 2025-11-11, date 2025-08-04 and "Emmett".An Abstract Illusion - Premiere 'Emmett' Track & Lyric Video access 2025-11-11, date 2025-09-18
Musical style An Abstract Illusion are an extreme metal band known for their "atmospheric death metal" sound, but they are more specifically described as progressive metal, progressive death metal, melodic death metal, and black metal.
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) Lukas Backeström - drums (2014–2015), bass, clean vocals, violin (live member: 2020–2026, full-time member: 2026-present)
Live 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)
Timeline
Discography Atonement Is Nigh (EP) (2014) Illuminate the Path (2016) Woe (2022) The Sleeping City (2025)
References