Ancient Bards

Ancient Bards is an Italian symphonic power metal outfit founded in 2006 by keyboardist and primary composer Daniele Mazza. They are central figures in the second wave of Italian epic metal, heavily influenced by the 'Hollywood Metal' blueprint established by Rhapsody of Fire.

The band is defined by their multi-album concept series, 'The Black Crystal Sword Saga,' which showcases a commitment to long-form storytelling and world-building. Musically, they utilize a maximalist production style where orchestral layers and choral arrangements are as prominent as the metal instrumentation. Critical consensus highlights the sophisticated songwriting and the vocal prowess of Sara Squadrani, whose style is often compared to the melodic clarity of Anette Olzon. While some critics have noted a tendency toward genre-typical kitsch, the band is widely respected for their technical execution and the sheer scale of their arrangements. They occupy a specific niche for listeners who value high-fantasy escapism and the intersection of neoclassical music and power metal.