July 18, 2025, will now forever be known as Shadows Fall Day in Springfield, MA. The city recognized the veteran metalcore band with an official proclamation by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, honoring the group's deep roots, legacy, and influential return to the stage. The ceremony took place ahead of Shadows Fall's set at the MassMutual Center, where they served as special guests for Lamb of God. The moment marked not only a triumphant homecoming but also a major milestone in the band's ongoing reunion and long-awaited new material.
Formed in 1996, Shadows Fall emerged from Springfield's local scene to become one of the most respected bands in the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. Their catalog includes seven full-length studio albums as well as two acclaimed video releases and numerous singles. Their most recent output, including 2024's "In The Grey" and 2025's "Souls Devoured," marks their first new music in over a decade, following a hiatus that began in 2015 and ended with their 2021 return show in Worcester, MA.
The official proclamation highlights the band's career achievements, including Grammy nominations in 2006 and 2008 for Best Metal Performance and multiple Boston Music Award nominations in 2007. It also notes their 2003 win for Best Underground Act at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. Beyond accolades, the document celebrates Shadows Fall's legacy and their renewed presence in their hometown, calling their MassMutual Center set a true "hometown show."
During the band's performance, vocalist Brian Fair proudly held up the proclamation for the crowd to see and delivered a fiery tribute to the honor. "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," he told the crowd, encouraging fans to mark the occasion with a legendary circle pit. "There aren't seats, it's a fucking metal show, and it is Shadows fuckin' Fall Day."
Fan-filmed footage of the performance captured the energy of the night, with the band firing on all cylinders in front of an energized hometown audience.
Footage can be found below. The entire proclamation reads as follows: "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."
