Review by Adam M on January 15, 2015.

Thulcandra have a melodic black metal style that is epic in scope and wondrous to behold. The overall musical experience here is similar to Dissection, but done in an excellent fashion that other imitators fail to accomplish. The smooth melody in the riffing that this style demands is done in an effective and powerful manner evocative of the band’s main influence.

The song-writing is a touch less memorable than that of Dissection, but still very catchy and worthy of multiple listens. As can be determined, the instrumentation involving the moving guitars and powerful drums, is done effectively. However, the vocalist sounds almost too reminiscent of Jon Nodtveidt. He matches effectively with the music, though. An example of memorability of the album can be seen from the track The Second Fall, which features a similar type of structure to Night’s Blood and is an immediate highlight. Production is clear enough, but could use a bit more punch to make this album as powerful sounding as Storm of the Light’s Bane. Compared to many other black metal bands of the style, however, this release stands head and shoulders above many of them. Despite all of the good things that can be said of this band, there is a sense that the band could be more original. The melodic black metal genre is one that could be taken in more innovative directions and this is exactly what I hope Thulcandra does in the future.

As far as melodic death/black metal goes, Ascension Lost is still a pristine and imminently enjoyable recording. The ability to hear such tight and well performed songs of this style is an event that only comes around once in a while. Thus melodic black metal fans must take notice and immerse themselves in the newest release from Thulcandra.

Rating: 8 out of 10