ANCIENT BARDS
“Artifex”
Album Review by Iron Mathew

10/10

Ancient Bards are a symphonic power metal band from Italy formed in 2006, releasing five albums to date – ‘The Alliance Of The Kings – The Black Crystal Sword Saga Pt.1’ (2010), ‘Soulless Child’ (2011), ‘A New Dawn Ending’ (2014), ‘Origine – The Black Crystal Sword Saga Pt.2’ (2019), and ‘Artifex’ (2025).

“artifex” is defined as “a skilled or artistic worker who applies skill in a particular craft or art” – the art here symphonic power metal with the workers, the six musicians who form Ancient Bards…vocalist Sara Squadrani, keyboardist Daniele Mazza (The 7th Guild), guitarists Simone Bertozzi (Arcana 13) and Claudio Pietronik, drummer Federico Gatti (Wind Rose), and bass player Martino Garattoni (Ne Obliviscaris). Additionally, there are a number of guest musicians across the albums thirteen songs – Simone Mularoni (DGM), Gabriele Boschi (Winterage), Francesco Cavalieri (Wind Rose), Mark Jansen (Epica), and Richard Browning…

…who provides the narration on album opener ‘Luminance And Abyss’ – and just like the narration Browning provided for Prydain’s latest release ‘The Gates Of Aramore’, the combination of his bold, distinct perfect diction and the band’s effects laden musical backdrop sets a tense yet enticing “gather round and I’ll tell you a story” atmosphere! And in the case of ‘Artifex’, the story unfolds over sixty four majestic minutes loaded to the hilt with sky high levels of elegance and grandeur, incredible orchestrations, a forty two strong choir, and Squadrani’s faultless, soaring vocals.

“To pick songs from an album that demands to be experienced in one piece is a difficult task, but there are four striking appetisers: ‘My Prima Nox’ is a terrific opening track, Claudio Pietronik catapults ‘Soulbound Symphony’ with his stellar guitar play to the heart of the galaxy. Not to forget Sara Squadrani’s passionate vocals, melting ice and rocks in completing ‘Unending’ and ‘Sea Of Solitude’ meeting the compositoral league of genre giants like Threshold, Rhapsody, Nightwish, Epica or Shadow Gallery”

Explaining the creative concept and philosophy behind ‘Artifex’, Daniele Mazza commented “I’ve embraced a bold departure from the genre conventions the band has associated with, particularly metal. While the essence of metal still pulsates through several tracks, each song demands a mood that perfectly complements the narrative being woven. This album isn’t just about metal, it’s about transcending boundaries and exploring the vast landscape of music in its entirety” – a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with…

…for ‘Artifex’ is an opera-like hour of changing backdrops and scenery, tense atmospheres and captivating storytelling, and above all else a sensational array of songs to enjoy. So if you’re a fan of symphonic metallers such as Derdian, Dragonland, Epica, Nightwish, Sonata Arctica and Twilight Force, you’re gonna hundred percent love Ancient Bards too. The bands new album is phenomenal, and is also available as a double album containing an instrumental version! Talk about stunning! So what are you waiting for? Go get your copy, now!

Overall, a sensational hour of superb symphonic power metal, ‘Artifex’ is grand, majestic and elegant.

TRACKLIST

Luminance And Abyss
My Prima Nox
The Vessel
The Empire Of Black Death
Unending
Ministers Of Light
Proximity
Soulbound Symphony
My Blood And Blade
Suite Of Requiem And Solace
Mystic Echoes
Under The Shadow
Sea Of Solitude
Artifex

https://ancientbards.com/
https://ancientbards.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ancientbards

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