VOLCANDRA

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.

Following the release of their well-received Border World EP in 2022, VOLCANDRA breathed life into their continually evolving universe of myths and extreme metal fantasy epics across stages in North America. Amassing tours alongside labelmates Tómarúm, multiple solo headline runs, and a support stint with The Convalescence, VOLCANDRA’s dynamic as a unit in 2024 is one of unwavering confidence and lofty ambition.

Galvanized by their growing rapport and momentum from the road, The Way of Ancients’ writing process came quickly and naturally to the band in the winter of 2022. Vocalist and lyricist Dave Palenske’s affinity for concept albums led to The Way of Ancients’ creative decision to implement an overarching story, with particular influence from the classic early Diablo video game series as well as the escapism found in sword and sorcery eighties films such as Conan, Clash of the Titans and Excalibur.

Speaking on the creative inspiration for The Way of Ancients concept, Palenske comments: “Thematically, VOLCANDRA’s music has always been about escapism. That narrative is furthered on this record by illustrating an overarching, high fantasy adventure inspired by stories and media that have been with me for most of my life. It’s exciting to share that passion with The Way of Ancients.”

Commencing production in January 2023 with Mike Low (Cattle Decapitation, Khemmis, INFERI) at the helm for tracking, mixing and mastering, VOLCANDRA also enlisted Entheos’ Chaney Crabb and Navene Koperweis for drum recording. Further contributions also see choral singing throughout the release from Oubliette’s Emily Low. Whilst The Way of Ancients retains VOLCANDRA’s inclination for melodicism, both in songwriting and production value, guitarists River Jordan and Jamie DeMar’s synergy and growing desire for a more bellicose approach to the blackened aspects of their sound is evident throughout the near 40 minute runtime.

No more is this newly implemented thrash and black metal-infused aggression better showcased than lead single, Fouled Sanctity, of which the band shares: “We chose Fouled Sanctity as the first single because it takes no time cutting to the chase. From the very first riff you know you’re in for a ripper.

“Overall this record is more aggressive than our previous releases, and this track is a perfect example of that. We consciously try to flaunt our influences from thrash, death metal, and black metal alike while also keeping some melodic sensibilities in the mix.”

Intent to keep aesthetic continuity of their established narrative thread, longtime collaborator Varises Otak (Cryptopsy and Amon Amath) masterfully brings The Way Of Ancients’ visual identity to life with the cover art.

VOLCANDRA’s The Way Of Ancients will be released on March 1 via Prosthetic Records.

VOLCANDRA is:
Dave Palenske - Vocals

River Jordan - Guitar

Jamie DeMar - Guitar

Andrew Casciato - Bass

Mike Hargrave - Drums