Springfield, Massachusetts Officials Honor Shadows Fall with Their Own Day
From henceforth, July 18 will be known as Shadows Fall Day in the confines of their hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts. At least, what’s what was basically read into the record in an official proclamation from the band’s hometown Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
The proclamation ceremony took place before the band’s set at the MassMutual Center, where they opened for Lamb of God. Having originally formed in 1996, Shadows Fall went on to become a major player in the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement before going on a hiatus in 2015 that lasted until 2021 when they played a return show in Worcester, NMM They eventually recorded seven full-length efforts, with their most recent releases being 2024’s In The Grey and this year’s Souls Devoured.
According to the proclamation, the band was recognized for its Grammy and Boston Music Awards nominations, among other major accolades.
Vocalist Brian Fair held up the proclamation during their show, thanking the community for the recognition.
“You may not know, but by official proclamation of the mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts, today is officially Shadows Fall day in Springfield. And I am not fucking kidding. There aren’t seats, it’s a fucking metal show, and it is Shadows fuckin’ Fall Day.”
You can read the entire proclamation below:
“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.”
“Therefore, I, Domenic J, Sarno, Mayor of the City of Springfield to hereby recognize Friday, July 18th, 2025 as Shadows Fall Day in the city of Springfield, and I strongly encourage all of our citizens to take notice of this event and participate suitably in its observance.”
