The project, originated in the mind of Daniele Mazza, started to materialize in 2006 after Daniele met with bass player Martino Garattoni. The first stable line up was completed in 2007, with Sara Squadrani as singer, Alessandro Carichini as drummer, and Claudio Pietronik and Fabio Balducci as guitarists.
In September 2010, Alessandro left the band, to be replaced by a new drummer Federico Gatti. The latest line-up change occurred in the end of 2013 after recording the third album A New Dawn Ending, when Balducci left the band for personal reasons. Permanent replacement for Fabio has not been announced yet, but for live shows in 2014 the band has been joined by Simone Bertozzi as a guest second guitarist.
Albums
The style and concept of their 2010 debut album, The Alliance of the Kings, has been seen as inspired by fellow Italian band Rhapsody of Fire. The album is the first part of The Black Crystal Sword Saga with each song making up a single "episode"
The Italian and German editions of Metal Hammer commented on the "sophisticated songwriting" in this release. The latter magazine also found similarities to Anette Olzon in singer Sara Squadrani's voice.
The band's second album, Soulless Child, was released in 2011. It continues The Black Crystal Sword Saga introduced in the previous album. The reviewers of Metal Hammer Germany and Rock Hard agreed that the album had a tendency towards kitsch. While Metal Hammer found several positive remarks about individual tracks, Rock Hard criticised a lack of original hooks.
In April 2014, a third album, A New Dawn Ending, was released. This concluded the first part of The Black Crystal Sword Saga, making that section a complete trilogy.
Ancient Bards announced their fourth album in June 2018 entitled Origine - The Black Crystal Sword Saga Part 2. It is the beginning the second part of The Black Crystal Sword Saga and was released on 25 January 2019. They also announced on their Facebook page that touring guitarist Simone Bartozzi had been made a permanent band member after touring with them since 2014.
Farewell My Hero
Ancient Bards Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
knight, withstand
calm down, take your breath
for now you make the rules
the turn is yours.
concentrate on the black guardian
anticipate his moves
and spear right in
The wind is rocking the trees
the grey clouds run off through the sky
nature is restless and furious
we're spectators of a frightening scene
the dragon's wingspan's enormous
his tail's a lethal whip
but there's no fear
in daltor's face
[Group]
he is the king of Westland
he knows how to deal with
horrible beasts like you
because the king with his sword in his hand
has won every battle
we're on the safe side
[Rahed]
The beast is wounded and bleeds
the battle will soon come to an end
it won't resist any longer
no one ever could bear all that pain
wait! now it seems to get stronger
it manages to fly
and then attacks
at Daltor's back
[Group]
he was the king of Westland
he knew how to deal with
horrible beasts like you
because the king with his sword in his hand
had won every battle
this was the last one
[Rahed]
Look! the dragon's seized our hero
it is taking him away!
The lyrics of Ancient Bards's song "Farewell My Hero" convey the tale of a battle between a knight named Daltor and a dragon. The lyrics start with Rahed, who is likely a mentor or coach to Daltor, instructing him to stay calm and focused during the battle. He advises Daltor to concentrate on the dragon's weak point and attack it. The lyrics illustrate the physicality of the battle, with the wind rocking the trees and the dragon's enormous wingspan and lethal tail. Despite the danger, there is no fear in Daltor's face. The group provides support for Daltor, emphasizing his history of winning battles and providing the assurance that they are on the safe side.
The lyrics take an unexpected turn when the dragon appears to be wounded and about to lose the battle, but then it becomes stronger and attacks Daltor. The lyrics end sorrowfully, as Daltor is seized by the dragon and taken away. The song showcases the bravery of Daltor, who fought valiantly in the face of danger, but ultimately met his tragic end.
Line by Line Meaning
knight, withstand
Brave knight, hold your ground and remain resolute
calm down, take your breath
Relax and take a deep breath to steady yourself
for now you make the rules
You are in control of this battle at the moment
the turn is yours.
It's your move and your chance to strike
concentrate on the black guardian
Focus your attention on the black dragon before you
anticipate his moves
Let your instincts guide you in predicting the dragon's movements
and spear right in
Use your weapon to strike at the dragon's vulnerable point
his weak point
Target the dragon's area of weakness to defeat him
The wind is rocking the trees
The natural world is restless and turbulent, mirroring the intensity of the battle
the grey clouds run off through the sky
Storm clouds are dispersing, indicating that the danger may soon pass
nature is restless and furious
The forces of nature are agitated and powerful
we're spectators of a frightening scene
We're watching an intense and terrifying battle unfold before us
the dragon's wingspan's enormous
The dragon is a massive, formidable opponent
his tail's a lethal whip
The dragon's tail is a dangerous weapon that can cause serious harm
but there's no fear
Daltor is not afraid in the face of such a powerful enemy
in daltor's face
Despite the danger, Daltor shows a calm and determined expression
he is the king of Westland
Daltor is known as the king of his land
he knows how to deal with
Daltor has the expertise to handle dangerous beasts and situations
horrible beasts like you
The dragon is a creature that instills fear in those who face it
because the king with his sword in his hand
Daltor is a skilled warrior and fighter
has won every battle
Daltor has emerged victorious from every conflict he has faced
we're on the safe side
We feel secure and reassured knowing that Daltor is in charge
The beast is wounded and bleeds
The dragon has been injured and is bleeding
the battle will soon come to an end
The fight is winding down and will be over shortly
it won't resist any longer
The dragon is weakening and will soon submit
no one ever could bear all that pain
The dragon's injuries are likely unbearable and unsustainable
wait! now it seems to get stronger
Unexpectedly, the dragon appears to be regaining strength
it manages to fly
The dragon takes to the air, further complicating the battle
and then attacks
The dragon launches another aggressive attack against Daltor
at Daltor's back
Daltor's vulnerable back is being targeted by the dragon
he was the king of Westland
Despite the outcome of the battle, Daltor retains his status as king
this was the last one
This battle was the final one for Daltor
Look! the dragon's seized our hero
The dragon has captured Daltor, our beloved hero
Contributed by Aiden D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.