Anciients

Anciients emerged from Vancouver in 2009, quickly establishing themselves as a bridge between the stoner-sludge scene and the technical progressive metal world. Their sound identity is defined by Kenny Cook's riff-writing, which utilizes 'sludge' textures - fuzz-heavy, low-end focused - within the framework of complex, multi-part song structures.

Their 2013 debut, 'Heart of Oak,' was a critical breakthrough, earning a Polaris Music Prize long-list nomination and positioning them alongside the 'Georgia sludge' movement (Mastodon, Baroness) while maintaining a distinctly Canadian, wilderness-inspired aesthetic. Following a period of lineup shifts, their 2016 follow-up 'Voice of the Void' won a Juno Award, solidifying their status. Musically, they are noted for high dynamic range, often utilizing acoustic interludes and psychedelic bridges to contrast their more aggressive passages. Critical consensus highlights their ability to make technical proficiency feel organic rather than clinical, a trait that has made them a staple for fans of 'atmospheric sludge' and 'post-metal' alike.