Louisville, Kentucky based high-fantasy inspired metal quintet VOLCANDRA are poised to leave an enduring mark on 2024 with their sophomore full-length, “The Way of Ancients.” On their second album, VOLCANDRA continue to build upon their conceptual world with immersive fables of skeletal mages, stygian beasts and mystical mountain peaks. The Way of Ancients runs the gamut of melodic black metal, melodeath and thrash’s most captivating sonic components.

“Birth of the Nephalem” is the first track. The opening tones are blissfully melodic from harmonized guitars, followed by a much thicker and darker section with harsh vocals. It goes even deeper following the verse, as the vocals transform to deadly gutturals. “Fouled Sanctity” is both heavier and more dissonant, as the band explores the more aggressive side of their music. Black and Thrash Metal elements can be heard in this song, but the band lets out just enough melody. “Nemesis Confession” is another weighted and aggressive sound with varying pacing. The slower parts crawl like a massive beast on all fours, while the faster parts burn with fire that leaves a trail behind it.

“Maiden of Anguish”  is another thickened song with plenty of contentious moments, and it keeps a slow and steady pace so that the anguish can sink it and take a hold of the listener. “Seven Tombs” begins with clean guitars and a more solemn feeling, but pretty quickly morphs into a hardened sound that sprints forward with tight guitar arrangements and more deadly vocals. “The Blackened Temple” has more traditional Black Metal elements melded with Melodic Death and even Thrash Metal, and the band is good at combining these elements into their music. “Not Even Death” is thick, rich, and dark with a Black Metal sound, but the band still squeezes some melody in between the cracks, especially considering the clean guitar passage that oozes with sober tones.

The title track closes the album. This culminating song seamlessly blends many of the aforementioned elements into a thick and satisfying stew that you can’t get enough of. Overall, the album is a testament to the band's ability to blend hardened metal elements with a touch of melody. Each track is a powerful display of raw energy and aggression, yet beneath the surface lies a subtle layer of melody that adds depth and complexity to the music. From blistering guitar riffs to soaring melodies, the album is an exploration of the intersection between metal and melody, leaving listeners immersed by its raw power and emotional depth.