It was already with the return of Eternal Storm today that I think many of us were confident that the throne of melodic death metal so early this year would be effortlessly claimed for all the right reasons given what Eternal Storm brought together for that new creation. Yet, much like in the more technical reaches of death metal that we’ve seen already this year, there’s more to be had than what I think many of us initially bargained for. Despite being peppered with plenty of other acts that deserve their moments in the spotlight, it is with their forthcoming sophomore album that Volcandra eclipses virtually all of them to not just go toe-to-toe with Eternal Storm for that top spot thus far, but a work that could very well stand the test of time.

While initially diving into this record, I felt as though Volcandra was treading the same ground that we’ve seen through melodic death metal time and time again. There’s still glory to be had within the sound by all means, but it wasn’t until I had left and come back to the record that “The Way of Ancients” began to reveal its secrets and its intricacies to me. While there is plenty of retreading of the same concepts and tropes of melo-death within this record, it simply must be made clear that Volcandra has accomplished much within these eight tracks. Fiercely melodic but never once allowing themselves to succumb to those tendencies to only mostly do away with the death metal aspect of the sound, “The Way of Ancients” knows how to twist and morph itself in such a way that gives off a truly epic feel and sprawl to the sound while consistently playing to the listener’s expectations only to subvert them in more than one instance. An intensely intoxicating experience in even its smallest moments, Volcandra has shown us already with just its second album that it is not something to be underestimated. Despite there being plenty of room for growth, Volcandra has certainly defied expectations with “The Way of Ancients” to ensure that not only is it a surprise of a record, but something that is not easily let go of for all of its splendor.

Where many might see the world of melodic death metal as something that is growing at a rate that doesn’t result in quality, bands like Volcandra are what keeps us constantly coming back. To watch this kind of band grow and evolve their sound over the years is to witness the underground do what it does best in the most satisfying capacity to really make creations like “The Way of Ancients” spectacles that should not be taken lightly.

“The Way of Ancients” releases on March 1st via Prosthetic Records!

LISTEN to an advanced tracks from “The Way of Ancients” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Volcandra on Facebook here.