I've been looking forward to the new THULCANDRA album, "A Dying Wish," for years, as it is their first full length album since 2015. I was stoked when I got the opportunity to review this but it has been a while since I last played their music. But that doesn't matter because "A Dying Wish" stands stall whether you are a new fan, old, or just listen to so many bands that others often fall by the wayside (me). What most impresses me about this album is the utter confidence it exudes and its approach to song writing being very focused. The album never tries to take on more than needed or be something it isn't. It very much exists in the moment. The songs are melodic when needed, intense when called upon. THULCANDRA know when to dial back or when to pull out all the stops.

The production is smooth but not overly produced-it has enough power to let all the details shine through but not so bright that it is distracting. "Funeral Pyre," opens the album opens the album with layered melodies that continue to expand as the whole band kicks in. The blackened whiplash speed races through, complete with blackened shrieks and inhuman drumming. As the song marches forth, the melodies and harmonies from the previous moments are added to and grown into a different beast. The whole track feels as wide as a mounting range but also as cold as its peaks.

"In Vain" is moody and melancholic but still hangs on the edge of unbridled fury. The vocals and drums seem to be in a race of who can bludgeon the listener first. The mid portion is beautiful, what with the lush melodies and keys that lead into a nice little solo before going back to a more focused, vicious attack for the song's ending. "The Silvering Silver," begins with frozen clean guitars but the form of the song turns into lighting fast melodic black. Afterwards, the melody is dialed back for a more direct approach than focuses on riffs.

"A Shining Abyss" takes the opposite approach and begins with fire blazing. But a clean passage arrives at the 1:48 mark. It maintains am ominous feel but does so in an organic way that justifies its being there. The other half is a Whirlwind of riffs and vocals that end the song perfectly. The title track ends the album.  Melodic distortion over takes the clean intro as the song builds over wave after wave.  The middle segment is my favorite: chunky rhythm and melodic notes working in tandem.  The final act of the song grows increasingly melodic as it fades out to silence.

"A Dying Wish" is an impressive return for THULCANDRA and it feels like they were never gone for six years.  Fans will find little to complain about but this album is as good as place as any to start in their discography.