Ancient Bards - Artifex (2025) Hi-Res

Ancient Bards' 2025 album *Artifex* has been met with acclaim for its expansive symphonic metal compositions and intricate storytelling. Metal Epidemic describes the album as a "modern symphonic metal masterpiece," highlighting its cinematic scope and the band's creative evolution over a six-year hiatus. The review notes that tracks like "Unending" showcase Sara Squadrani's emotive vocals, while "The Empire of Black Death" introduces a heavier edge with growls from guest vocalist Mark Jansen of Epica.

Metal Temple emphasizes the album's orchestral arrangements and choir elements, stating that *Artifex* "includes elements from traditional Power Metal, melodic Metal, symphonic Metal, and even symphonic Death Metal at times." The review praises the production quality and the band's ability to blend various metal subgenres seamlessly.

RockmusicRaider offers a more critical perspective, acknowledging the album's "sprawling soundscapes and cathedral orchestrations" but suggesting that its 63-minute runtime and dense arrangements may be overwhelming. The review notes that while Squadrani's vocals are impressive, the album occasionally leans too heavily on symphonic elements at the expense of guitar-driven sections.