BLACKWATER DROWNING's "OBSCURE SORROWS" ALBUM COVER STORY

American Death Metal act, Blackwater Drowning are releasing their new album "Obscure Sorrows" on February 27, 2026, through Bleeding Art Collective/Blood Blast Distribution. The cover illustration was crafted by Greek artist, Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design.

"This project felt like it needed something a lot more than a standard Extreme Metal theme depicted on its cover," Nakos says. "I was actually drawn by the band name but definitely wanted to avoid having water on it. So, I focused on having the meaning of 'drowning' somehow...hence the bird being unable to take flight, giving a suffocating vibe to the whole thing."

The artist reveals that "the use of bleak colors and the tears/fluid flowing coming from the skull's eyes are a direct hint to the title 'Οbscure Sorrows.' The shape of the tree and its surroundings, a combination of horns/branches/weird looking is an ode to the word 'obscure,' so I think the viewer gets an instant connection between the art and the title."

Vocalist, Morgan Riley, reveals that the band always "admired Giannis’s remarkable work on a number of acclaimed projects, so when his name surfaced during discussions with our manager, we were genuinely thrilled. After choosing to collaborate with him and gaining insight into his creative process—where we provide our music and a few guiding notes—it became clear that his approach really aligns with our own values as artists who deeply respect and embrace the creative flow."

Pre-order "Obscure Sorrows" at https://blackwaterdrowning.bfan.link/obscure-sorrows

See more of Giannis Nakos' work at https://www.instagram.com/remedyartdesign/