Ancient is a Norwegian black metal band from Bergen, formed in 1992. The band released six full-length albums released by Metal Blade Records to date and a variety of mini-albums, EPs and special releases. Ancient used to have the classic raw black metal sound, similar to Darkthrone's works. Beginning with The Cainian Chronicle, they moved towards a more Nordic/atmospheric black metal sound, akin to Emperor, and a cleaner production. After a period of turmoil concerning their line-up, they went on to add gothic-style instruments such as violins, a female vocalist, and synthesizers to their music.

History

The band initially started out as a solo project of guitarist Aphazel in 1992. The following year, Grimm joined the band as drummer and vocalist. and Belgium, joining to perform vocals on two songs (Eerily Howling Winds and Likferd). It was his first appearance with the band in 28 years.

The Cainian Chronicle anniversary

In 2023, Lord Kaiaphas joined Ancient as a guest in the Cainian Chronicle tour, performing the entire album. The first performance of the tour was at the Cosmic Void Festival in London. Since then, Ancient has been touring in Europe and other countries performing the album.

Band members

  • Zel (formerly known as Aphazel) – guitar, keyboards (1992–present), lead vocals (1998–present), bass guitar (1992–1998), drum machine (1992–1993)
  • Lord Kaiaphas – vocals (1995–1999, 2023-present ), drums (1995–1998)
  • Dhilorz – bass guitar (1999–present)

; Former members

  • Grimm – vocals and drums (1993–1995)
  • Kimberly Goss – female vocals (1995–1997), keyboards (1997)
  • Deadly Kristin (born Cristina Parascandolo; changed name to Hayam Nur as Sufi) – vocals and black arts (1998–2003)
  • Kjetil – drums (1996–1997)
  • Erichte – female vocals (1997–1998)
  • Krigse – drums (1998–2000)
  • GroM – drums (2000–2005)
  • Jesus Christ! (aka Luci) – keyboards (1997—2004), guitar (1997–1998), bass guitar (1997–1998), piano, cello (1997–1998) Carnygoat Music
  • Nick Barker – drums (2009–2017)

; Timeline

; Guest musicians

  • Neviah Luneville – vocals on "Envision the Beast" from Night Visit
  • Lady Omega – vocals on "Out in the Haunted Woods" from Night Visit
  • Moonbeam of Iblis – violin on "Envision the Beast" and "Night of the Stygian Souls" from Night Visit
  • Alex Azzali – additional guitars on "Night of the Stygian Souls" from Night Visit

; Live Members

  • Lazarus – keyboards (2002)
  • Scorpios – bass guitar (1998–1999)
  • Ghiulz Borroni – guitar (2015–present)
  • Ivan McSimon – guitar (2017–?)
  • Mirko Soncini – drums (2021–?)
  • Volkun – drums (2022–?)
  • Arjan Peeks – bass/guitar (2023–?)

Discography

; Studio albums

  • Svartalvheim (1994)
  • The Cainian Chronicle (1996)
  • Mad Grandiose Bloodfiends (1997)
  • The Halls of Eternity (1999)
  • Proxima Centauri (2001)
  • Night Visit (2004)
  • Back to the Land of the Dead (2016)

; EPs

  • Det Glemte Riket (1994)
  • Trolltaar (1995)

; Demos

  • Eerily Howling Winds (1993)

; Compilations

  • Det Glemte Riket (1999)
  • God Loves the Dead (2001)
  • Eerily Howling Winds - The Antediluvian Tapes (2005)

References

  • Ancient at Metal Blade Records
  • Carnygoat Music Jesus Christ! aka Luci Official website
  • Ancient at Sleaszy Rider Records
  • Rivadavia, Eduardo "[ The Cainian Chronicle Review]", Allmusic, Macrovision Corporation
  • Huey, Steve "[ Halls of Eternity Review]", AllMusic