Thulcandra
Live Demise
Napalm Records
December is here, so what better way to greet the season than with a blast of Arctic blackened death? Even four years on, the pandemic has a lot to answer for, where it put paid to Thulcandra’s long-awaited live release coinciding with their 20th anniversary, ‘Live Demise’. However, ‘tis the season for giving, and the big red man’s duly delivered. Captured with the original lineup back in 2011, ‘Live Demise’ sees the band firing on all cylinders with a vim and vigour from riding high on their debut, ‘Fallen Angel’s Dominion’, to sophomore effort, ‘Under A Frozen Sun’. Cuts like their debut’s title track and the furious “In Blood & Fire” rip like few others, and showcase the force that the band pose to one’s neck muscles. Best prepare yourself. While live albums have a tendency to miss that “whomp” of bass, ‘Live Demise’ atones for this with a bright and energetic snapshot of a band making their mark thirteen years ago. It may have missed the band’s 20th anniversary, but better late than never, eh?
Review by Lee Carter