German Thulcandra are probably known to those who follow black metal attentively. Many of you may know that Thulcandra have built a reputation, and have also been criticized in the past for being Dissection imitators. It is undeniable that Thulcandra are Dissection worshippers, but I believe that with their third and latest album Ascension Lost, the Germans have gone further. It is not that there is no more influence from Dissection, just look at the cover. The influence is undeniable and sometimes they fall in the old bad habit, but I think this time the Bavarian quartet has managed to develop the influence in a more personal way and go beyond imitation. The result is undeniably a valid, solid, personal and deep enough album. It also seems to me to see a remarkable technical improvement in the musicianship compared to the past; the production is also very good.
Around this band, a cloud of prejudice has perhaps thickened, but we must not forget that the band has gone through tough times. My point is that reviewers now should stop comparing all the time this band with Dissection, this is unfair; Thulcandra is Thulcandra. Now I don’t want to say that Ascension Lost is the masterpiece of the year, but if you are looking for a good album of melodic black metal this can really be something for you. Recommended.
Notes:
Ascension Lost was released on January 30 2015 on Napalm Records. Tracks 11-14 are from the unreleased demo Perishness Around Us from 2005.
Tracklist:
1. The First Rebellion
2. Throne of Will
3. Deliverance in Sin and Death
4. Demigod Imprisoned
5. Interlude
6. Exalted Resistance
7. The Second Fall
8. Sorrow of the One
9. Ascension Lost
10. Outro
11. Perishness Around Us (demo)
12. Frozen Kingdom (demo)
13. Dreaming (demo)
14. Immortality (demo)
Personnel:
Steffen Kummerer: Guitars, Vocals, Bass (tracks 11-14)
Tobias Ludwig: Bass
Sebastian Ludwig: Guitars, Vocals (backing)
Session musicians:
Jürgen Zintz (R.I.P. 2005): Guitars (lead) (tracks 11-14)
Jonas Baumgartl: Drums, Vocals (backing) (tracks 11-14)
Seraph: Drums
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
Around this band, a cloud of prejudice has perhaps thickened, but we must not forget that the band has gone through tough times. My point is that reviewers now should stop comparing all the time this band with Dissection, this is unfair; Thulcandra is Thulcandra. Now I don’t want to say that Ascension Lost is the masterpiece of the year, but if you are looking for a good album of melodic black metal this can really be something for you. Recommended.
Notes:
Ascension Lost was released on January 30 2015 on Napalm Records. Tracks 11-14 are from the unreleased demo Perishness Around Us from 2005.
Tracklist:
1. The First Rebellion
2. Throne of Will
3. Deliverance in Sin and Death
4. Demigod Imprisoned
5. Interlude
6. Exalted Resistance
7. The Second Fall
8. Sorrow of the One
9. Ascension Lost
10. Outro
11. Perishness Around Us (demo)
12. Frozen Kingdom (demo)
13. Dreaming (demo)
14. Immortality (demo)
Personnel:
Steffen Kummerer: Guitars, Vocals, Bass (tracks 11-14)
Tobias Ludwig: Bass
Sebastian Ludwig: Guitars, Vocals (backing)
Session musicians:
Jürgen Zintz (R.I.P. 2005): Guitars (lead) (tracks 11-14)
Jonas Baumgartl: Drums, Vocals (backing) (tracks 11-14)
Seraph: Drums
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
