International epic doom metal constellation Anchorite streams the entirety of its sophomore full-length, Realm Of Ruin, set for release on 1 August via Personal Records.

Anchorite was formed in late 2018 at the Malta Doom Metal Festival when vocalist Leo Stivala (Forsaken, ex-Reflection) and bassist Peter Svensson (Void Moon, Assassin's Blade, ex-Goatess) decided to form a band. Firmly based in the field of epic doom metal, they started outlining the overall concept of the band and recruiting members. The first member to join the band was drummer Marcus Rosenkvist (Void Moon, Assassin's Blade), and work on material for their debut album began immediately. After trying several guitarists, the perfect fit was Martin Jepsen Andersen (Blindstone, Meridian, ex-Reece), and the Further From Eternity album was completed.

After a break of a few years, Anchorite started writing new material for its sophomore album. This time, compositions were done in a more collaborative band manner, with everyone contributing ideas. The new album was recorded in 2024-2025; mixing and mastering were again entrusted to Endarker Studio. Titled Realm Of Ruin, form fits contents, as Anchorite builds towers of epic-ascending/descending emotion and heaviness. Truly, this is maniacal doom for doom metal maniacs - the band is forthright about its influences, namely Solitude Aeternus, Candlemass, and Manilla Road - but that takes nothing away from the poignancy and power of these eight equally weighty songs. Even for those well-versed in epic doom, Realm Of Ruin conveys Anchorite's personality, indeed putting a unique twist on an otherwise strictured idiom; one will find a plethora of dual-harmonic leads and tempos that pick up to a trad-metal gallop, among other tasteful details. What's more, the band cements its cult status by getting a guest appearance from legendary Mercyful Fate guitarist Michael Denner. Wander within this Realm Of Ruin as the Anchorite's journey continues! Link