Band:	Thulcandra
Album:	Ascension Lost
Style:	Melodic black metal, Melodic death metal
Release date:	January 30, 2015
A review by:	Mattybu

01. The First Rebellion
02. Throne Of Will
03. Deliverance In Sin And Death
04. Demigod Imprisoned
05. Interlude
06. Exalted Resistance
07. The Second Fall
08. Sorrow Of The One
09. Ascension Lost
10. Outro
11. Perishness Around Us [bonus]
12. Frozen Kingdom [bonus]
13. Dreaming [bonus]
14. Immortality [bonus]

When I think of death metal and black metal mixing in a melodic fashion, I think of Dissection, and you do too. Thulcandra is a band heavily influenced by the aforementioned masters of the genre, and on their new album Ascension Lost, they pack it full with everything a fan of the genre could want.

The guitar work is totally on point, and the album is full of dark and twisting melodies. Of course, there are vigorous blasts and shredded riffs, but the mid-paced sections are equally impressive. For example, in "Second Fall", the moderate pace and wise usage of repetition in songwriting give the melody plenty of room to shine and enhance the atmosphere of the song. When everything clicks together like that, Ascension Lost is quite an enjoyable listen.

However, the elephant in the room and likely source of problems for many people is just how Dissection-sounding this affair is. The album is strong on its own, but takes a somewhat unavoidably clear influence from works of the past. I have no trouble just enjoying it for what it is, but to those highly concerned with originality, it might not be the most satisfying album.

The thing is, when everything falls perfectly in place on here, it becomes more than just Dissection 2.0. When the strength in songwriting comes through as much on songs like "Demigod Imprisoned" and "Second Fall" the album can be pretty encapsulating and engaging. Unfortunately there are some sections that plod a little and sound more by-the-numbers, but it doesn't detract too much from the fact that Thulcandra at their best are definitely worth hearing. It should also be noted that the production on Ascension Lost is well done, giving it a modern sound expected in 2015, but with just enough grit and uh... Frigidness? Fits the music anyways.

Sometimes this album is just good, and sometimes it's great. For those who are willing to overlook the fact that it tracks over well-traveled territory, there certainly are moments of brilliance to be found.