A colourful, powerful, lively, monumental celebration of orchestral Epic Metal !!! For Fans of Rhapsody, Nightwish, Epica, Ayreon, Threshold, Shadow Gallery. With their fifth and extraordinary album “Artifex”, the Italian band ANCIENT BARDS continues to focus on technically mature class in 2025. Six years have passed since their fourth album “Origine”. Years in which a brilliant masterpiece has matured. “Artifex” is a colourful, powerful, lively, monumental celebration of orchestral epic metal. Grandiose melodic arcs, excellent arrangements and the technically top-class instrumentation are crowned by elaborate choral voices and a mystical storyline. The catchy melodies, arrangements and storyline of “The Black Crystal Sword Saga” were composed by pianist and producer Daniele Mazza. Lead singer Sara Squadrani is supported by a 42-strong choir. The album is enhanced by the contributions of guest vocalists Francesco Cavalieri (Wind Rose), Mark Jansen (Epica) as well as the violin of Gabriele Boschi (Winterage) and the guitar of Simone Mularoni (DGM). INCLUDES INSTRUMENTAL VERSION, STICKER, 2 PAGE POSTER, EXTENDED 24 PAGE BOOKLET. Tracklist: CD1-1 – Luminance and AbyssCD1-2 – My Prima NoxCD1-3 – The VesselCD1-4 – The Empire of Black DeathCD1-5 – UnendingCD1-6 – Ministers of LightCD1-7 – ProximityCD1-8 – Soulbound SymphonyCD1-9 – My Blood and BladeCD1-10 – Mystic EchoesCD1-11 – Under the ShadowCD1-12 – Sea of SolitudeCD1-13 – ArtifexCD2-1 – Luminance and Abyss (Instrumental)CD2-2 – My Prima Nox (Instrumental)CD2-3 – The Vessel (Instrumental)CD2-4 – The Empire of Black Death (Instrumental)CD2-5 – Unending (Instrumental)CD2-6 – Ministers of Light (Instrumental)CD2-7 – Proximity (Instrumental)CD2-8 – Soulbound Symphony (Instrumental)CD2-9 – My Blood and Blade (Instrumental)CD2-10 – Mystic Echoes (Instrumental)CD2-11 – Under the Shadow (Instrumental)CD2-12 – Sea of Solitude (Instrumental)CD2-13 – Artifex (Instrumental)
