It has been over a decade since Shadows Fall released a full-length studio album, and according to drummer Jason Bittner, the wait for the successor to 2012’s Fire From The Sky is nearly over—though scheduling conflicts remain a significant hurdle.
In a recent conversation with Shawn Ratches of “Laughingmonkeymusic,” Bittner provided a candid update on the recording sessions for the highly anticipated new material. While the band is eager to get the record into the hands of fans, the drummer explained that the process has been complicated by the busy schedules of key personnel, specifically their longtime producer Zeuss (Chris Harris) and guitarist Jonathan Donais, who also plays for thrash legends Anthrax.
“As far as Shadows Fall goes, we’re painstakingly trying to finish our record,” Bittner said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “We’re trying to finish the latest recordings we have. We’re gonna get something out this year, we know, at some point. Anyways, we’re trying to finish that. The biggest hurdle has been trying to get Zeuss [longtime producer Chris Harris] locked in, because he’s producing it still, he’s doing all the engineering, he’s doing all the tracking, but since basically he’s on call with Rob Zombie, he’s in Connecticut with him a lot. So it’s waiting for [Zeuss] to be free so we can get the rest of this stuff done so we can finally get it finished.”
Beyond production delays, the band also has to navigate Donais‘ commitments. With Anthrax gearing up for their own album cycle, Bittner acknowledged that finding time for Shadows Fall will require careful planning.
“But Jon [Shadows Fall guitarist Jonathan Donais] starts touring with Anthrax now too, ’cause they’re gonna be putting out their new record,” Bittner noted. “That’s a big factor right there, ’cause Jon‘s gonna be gone. Jon from Anthrax will be too busy to be Jon from Shadows Fall… So, as I said, we’re trying to get our studio stuff finished as far as Shads goes and hopefully get out there as soon as we can.”
Despite the logistical challenges, Bittner spoke passionately about the creative energy fueling the new songs. The band recently dropped two singles via MNRK Heavy—”Souls Devoured” in May 2025 and “In The Grey” in December 2024—marking their first new music in 12 years.
When asked how the songwriting approach has evolved, Bittner described a return to form driven by a sense of urgency and freedom.
“We just know what we do well together,” Bittner told. “Let’s just say, I think the fire was under mine and Jon‘s a**es, let’s just put it that way. We were full of piss and vinegar and we had some s**t to say with this record. For me, it was coming back home to my family and being able to play drums the way I wanna play them without being questioned about it.”
He added: “I’m really excited about it. I mean, I wish it could be [released] sooner, but whenever we get something out, it’s gonna be definitely well worth the wait.”
As for when fans can expect to see Shadows Fall back on the road, Bittner clarified that touring will likely coincide with the album’s release, whenever that may be.
“The way it’s been put to me, I’m pretty sure that we’re not gonna be doing much of anything until we have a product put out,” he explained. “So with that thought process, if we kind of lay low, I would say that if we put something out, I would tend to think that would generally be followed with probably as much stuff as we could do to back that.”
He concluded by reaffirming his personal dedication to the group: “Shadows Fall will come first over anything else that I’m doing, because that’s my main thing. With Jon, Shadows Fall, yeah, it’s his band, but it’s not his main priority. His main priority is Anthrax, which is understandable. That’s who pays him.”
