Release:
Limb Music
25.04.2025
Info:
Six years have passed since ANCIENT BARDS’ fourth album “Origine“. Fruitful years, used to create a brillant masterpiece: “Artifex“ is Grand Opera and Magnum Opus alike.
Fans and future lovers will be overwhelmed by diving deep into a phantastic journey. “Artifex“ is a colourful, lively, monumental, cheering Symphonic Epic Metal celebration. A true collector’s item. Excellent melodies, orchestrations and arrangements plus a breathtaking instrumentation are crowned by lavish choir voices and a mystical storyline, representing part II of the “The Black Crystal Sword Saga“, finishing the narration starting out 2019 with “Origine“.
“Artifex“ sets new standards. The Italian ensemble ANCIENT BARDS, led by composer and keyboard whiz Daniele Mazza, did create a sheer masterpiece of music, vaporizing the boundaries of its genre.
Divine lead vocalist Sara Squadrani is supported bei various guest vocals plus a tremendous choir assembling 42 crystalline voices. A courageous statement in times where not only musical productions are widely executed by virtual gadgets but almost any kind of human creativity seems to be wiped out by the use and misuse of artificial intelligence. This brave attitude to favour the human factor sees ANCIENT BARDS arm in arm with the spiritual level of Arjen Lucassen’s legendary Ayreon project.
Even the packaging of “Artifex“ is breathing worthiness all the way through: The label Limb Music presents the album in two versions by adding an instrumental edition.
Additional contributions were recorded by vocalists Francesco Cavalieri (Wind Rose) and Mark Jansen (Epica) plus Winterage violinist Gabriele Boschi and guitarist Simone Mularoni (DGM).
To pick songs from an album that demands to be experienced in one piece? Difficult task, but let’s have a try with four striking appetizers: “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 Sqadrani’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.
Every member of ANCIENT BARDS did follow various musical paths over the years, adding bits and pieces to the classy development of both band and album.
Federico Gatti travelled the world with his band Wind Rose, Martino Garrattoni with Ne Obliviscaris, Claudio Pietronik did enrich recordings of Thomas Bergersen and Two Steps From Hell with his meticulous guitar play, Daniele Mazza completed his 2022 solo project “Immortals“ and supported various acts with his huge spectrums embracing orchestrations, including The 7th Guild as well as albums like “Hermitage“ (Temperance) and „Nemesis AD“ (Serenity).
Daniele Mazza did explain the creative concept and philosophy of “Artifex“ by writing extensive liner notes for the album booklet: “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. It's an opportunity to delve into new territories, where creativity knows no limits.”
Tracklist:
01. Luminance and Abyss
02. My Prima Nox
03. The Vessel
04. The Empire of Black Death
05. Unending
06. Ministers of Light
07. Proximity
08. Soulbound Symphony
09. My Blood and Blade
Suite of Requiem and Solace
10. Mystic Echoes
11. Under the Shadow
12. Sea of Solitude
13. Artifex
Line-up:
Sara Squadrani - Vocals
Daniele Mazza - Piano & Orchestrations
Simone Bertozzi - Rhythm Guitars & Growls
Claudio Pietronik - Lead Guitars
Federico Gatti - Drums
Martino Garattoni - Bass
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