Releasedate:   25-04-2025
Label: Limb Music

Ancient Bards, hailing from Rimini, Italy, have been a formidable force in the symphonic power metal scene since 2006. With their fifth full-length album, Artifex, they continue to push the boundaries of their genre, delivering an epic narrative and a sonically rich experience.

Artifex is an album that blends symphonic elements with power metal, creating a cinematic auditory experience. The album is a continuation of “The Black Crystal Sword Saga,” a narrative crafted by pianist and producer Daniele Mazza. The compositions are featuring intricate orchestrations and a 42-strong choir that elevate the storytelling.

Vocalist Sara Squadrani delivers a powerful performance, her voice soaring over the complex arrangements. Guest appearances by Francesco Cavalieri (Wind Rose) and Mark Jansen (Epica) add depth and variety to the vocal landscape. The instrumentation is top-notch, with Claudio Pietronik’s lead guitar work and Simone Bertozzi’s rhythm guitar and growls providing a solid foundation.

The track “The Empire of Black Death” stands out with its fusion of symphonic power metal and elements of death metal, showcasing the band’s versatility. “Unending” offers a poignant ballad, highlighting Squadrani’s emotive vocal range. The album concludes with the title track, “Artifex,” bringing the saga to a powerful close.

Artifex is a testament to Ancient Bards’ commitment to their craft, delivering an album that is both musically complex and narratively compelling. Fans of symphonic and power metal will find this album to be a captivating journey through a richly constructed musical landscape.

Line up:

• Sara Squadrani – Vocals
• Daniele Mazza – Piano, Orchestrations
• Claudio Pietronik – Lead Guitar
• Simone Bertozzi – Rhythm Guitar, Growls
• Martino Garattoni – Bass
• Federico Gatti – Drums

Links:

Bandcamp