The city of Springfield, Massachusetts, has officially honored its hometown metal titans, Shadows Fall, with a mayoral proclamation declaring Friday, July 18, 2025, as “Shadows Fall Day.” The prestigious recognition celebrates the band’s nearly three-decade career and global impact on the genre, and was presented to them just before they took the stage for a massive hometown show at the MassMutual Center.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno presented the official proclamation to all five members—Brian Fair (vocals), Jonathan Donais (guitar), Matt Bachand (guitar), Paul Romanko (bass), and Jason Bittner (drums)—on Friday evening. The moment marked a significant “full circle” journey for the band, who were in town to support Lamb of God and Hatebreed.
In a statement, the band reflected on their long history in the city. “From playing shows at Fat Cat’s down the street to tonight’s show at The Mass Mutual Center… Western Massachusetts has always been home sweet home,” the band commented.
The proclamation cited the band’s formation in Springfield in 1996 and their extensive accomplishments, including seven studio albums and numerous accolades, such as two Grammy Award nominations for Best Metal Performance in 2006 and 2008.
The honor recognizes not only the band’s storied past but also their recent resurgence. The city’s proclamation highlighted Shadows Fall‘s return from a multi-year hiatus in 2021 and the release of their two new singles, “In The Grey” (2024) and “Souls Devoured” (2025), cementing their status as both legacy heroes and a vital, ongoing force in modern metal.
The official recognition solidifies Shadows Fall‘s place as one of the most prominent and successful acts to emerge from the influential Massachusetts metal and hardcore scene of the early 2000s, bringing their long journey to a triumphant and emotional milestone in the very city where it all began.
The proclamation :
“Whereas: Shadows Fall was formed in 1996 by guitarists Jonathan Donais and Matthew Bachand in the City of Springfield. Shadows Fall took a hiatus in 2015 that lasted for nearly half a decade, their first show back being on December 18, 2021, at the Worcester Palladium; and
“Whereas: The band together have released seven studio albums; Somber Eyes To The Sky, Of One Blood, The Art Of Balance, The War Within, Threads Of Life, Retribution and Fire From The Sky. Shadows Fall have also released two video albums, The Art Of Touring and Madness In Manila: Shadows Fall Live In The Philippines 2009, multiple singles, and music videos. Most recently, the band released In The Grey in 2024, and Souls Devoured in 2025, after their hiatus. Shadows Fall have been nominated for Grammy Awards for Best Metal Performance in 2006 and 2008. They also were nominated in 2007 for three Boston Music Awards: Outstanding Metal/Hardcore Band Of The Year, Act Of The Year, and Album Of The Year. Additionally, in 2003, Shadows Fall won Best Underground Act at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards; and
“Whereas: The City of Springfield is excited to welcome Shadows Fall back for a ‘Hometown Show’ at the MassMutual Center, as special guests for Lamb of God.”
