When I first heard her, I wasn’t sure whether her voice was strong enough to stand tall against the huge build-up of fierce guitars, thundering drumming, soaring choirs and orchestral elements. Martin, as I mentioned in the review for their debut. Speaking of the vocalist, Sara Squadrani is a wonderful vocalist, who reminds me of Elise C. ‘Soulless Child’ continues the trend set by these Italians back with the debut and after one disc under their belts, and a few years more experience, Ancient Bards have a far polished sound that should again mesmerise and satisfy those who love their female-fronted European symphonic power metal.
The only line-up change since the debut has been drummer Alessandro Carichini leaving the band in 2011 and replaced by Federico Gatti, the rest of the band remains the same. Reviews across the board were all positive and many were anticipating what will come next from their camp.Ģ1 months later, the Ancient Bards have returned to deliver their sophomore album, ‘Soulless Child’. Word spread fast about the new young band around the traps and before long, Ancient Bards found themselves in the limelight.
The Black Crystal Sword saga continues.Back in February 2010 Italian symphonic power metal newcomers Ancient Bards released their epic debut CD called ‘The Alliance of the Kings’. No wonder a renowned graphic artist like Felipe Machado Franco (Rhapsody, Blind Guardian etc…) wanted to create the artwork for this album. "Soulless Child" is an intoxicating mix of intense choirs, hefty guitars, and ultra catchy melodies. "Hope Dies Last" is an almost 15 minutes long masterpiece of excitement and variety - a fireworks, and at the same time a déjà vu, regarding Epic Metal. Rhapsody Of Fire, in spite of their significant influence, have lost themselves a bit in too much intricate playfulness… ANCIENT BARDS prefer to focus on racy riffs and high speed to keep their route straight: "Through My Veins" is an impressive proof of that, and Sara Squadrani's voice volume and vocal clout has remarkably increased - which she demonstrates especially on this Speed smasher which is spiced with some Prog elements. The high, clear voice of Sara Sqadrani adds an extra facet to this harmonious sound collage, her vocals being a perfect fit for the band's style. Double bass attacks and incredibly fast riffs, supported by sophisticated, opulent keyboards are the trademarks of "Broken Illusion". Mighty choirs top off the whole thing, as can be heard on "Valiant Ride".
Hefty guitar barrages and classic, epic keyboard parts grant an extraordinary listening experience. All those live shows have forged the band into an entity, resulting in an intense song writing and a tighter performance. Overall, the new opus leaves an even more epic and symphonic impression than its predecessor. "Soulless Child” once again features the heroes of the first part who now continue their trip. "Soulless Child” is the consequent innovative advancement following their first output - and will fascinate all those who love an epic and symphonic Power Metal opus. "Soulless Child" is the long awaited second album, once again mastering the fine line between kitsch and art with grace. Their kind of symphonic / epic Metal is sophisticated and classy - you'll easily hear that ANCIENT BARDS enjoy what they do and are committed to it.
Maybe the sextet's style is polarising, but still: the boys stick to their musical visions and preferences. But the ambitious Italians were more than just soundalikes of the aforementioned outfits, and the extremely positive reviews the album got were yet another proof of that. 2009, the Italian band ANCIENT BARDS surprised the Metal scene with their debut album "The Alliance Of The Kings" - the fans and critics soon drew comparisons with Rhapsody respectively Rhapsody Of Fire.