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.
Gates Of Noland
Ancient Bards Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Meanwhile the heroes are searching for a way
to get to the Dark Cave as soon as they can
they're ready for anything to stop the impending war
this is what they gathered for
they stick to each other and they promise to themselves
they won't let fear or vengence take control over their lives
now that Dorus has the sword they're feeling strong again
even tighter than before
Step by step they walk in line
Alron's leading the way
to the inaccessible
gates of Noland
[The Group]
Waving our banners with pride we go
from the mountain tops to the shores
with our heads up high
to the moon so bright
we deliver our song tonight
[Storyteller]
The end of Lastworld is near and they feel
that peril and anguish are waiting for them
Now that Dorus has the sword the wizard will succumb
and then peace will shine again
even brighter than before
Step by step they walk in line
Alron's leading the way
to the inaccessible
gates of Noland
[The Group]
Waving our banners with pride we go
from the mountain tops to the shores
with our heads up high
to the moon so bright
we deliver our song tonight
The lyrics of Ancient Bard's song "Gates of Noland" tell the story of a group of heroes who are trying to prevent an imminent war. The heroes are determined to find a way to reach the Dark Cave and stop the impending war, promising to stay united and not let fear or vengeance take control of their lives. With Dorus in possession of the sword, the group feels stronger and more cohesive than ever before.
As they march towards the Gates of Noland, they wave their banners high in pride as they deliver their song to the moon. However, the end of their world is near, and they feel the weight of peril and anguish looming over them. But they continue to walk in line, guided by Alron towards the gates that were once considered inaccessible. They know that with Dorus possessing the sword, the wizard will meet his fate, and peace will be restored once and for all.
This song is a powerful and inspiring anthem about the strength that comes from unity and determination. It speaks to the courage and perseverance required to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and fight for what is right.
Line by Line Meaning
Meanwhile the heroes are searching for a way to get to the Dark Cave as soon as they can
The heroes are currently seeking a quick way to reach the Dark Cave
they're ready for anything to stop the impending war
The heroes are determined to prevent the upcoming war at any cost
this is what they gathered for
The heroes have come together for the sole purpose of stopping the war
they stick to each other and they promise to themselves they won't let fear or vengence take control over their lives
The heroes vow to stay united and not let fear or vengeance control them
now that Dorus has the sword they're feeling strong again
The heroes derive strength from the fact that Dorus now possesses the sword
feeling finally as a whole even tighter than before
They feel a greater sense of cohesion and unity as a group
The end of Lastworld is near and they feel that peril and anguish are waiting for them
The heroes are aware that impending danger and torment face them as Lastworld comes to an end
Now that Dorus has the sword the wizard will succumb and then peace will shine again even brighter than before
The heroes believe that Dorus's ownership of the sword will lead to the wizard's defeat and a brighter future without war
Step by step they walk in line Alron's leading the way to the inaccessible gates of Noland
The heroes march towards the elusive gates of Noland in a single file, with Alron serving as their leader
Waving our banners with pride we go from the mountain tops to the shores with our heads up high to the moon so bright we deliver our song tonight
With a sense of pride and determination, the heroes journey from the mountaintops to the shores, playing their song under the bright moon
Contributed by Gavin A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.