Biography

Black metal band Ancient began in 1992 as the solo project of guitarist/composer Aphazel, soon expanding to a duo with the addition of vocalist/drummer Grimm; after selling out the entire pressing of their initial demo Eerily Howling Winds, the two issued their full-length debut, Svartalvheim, in 1994 followed a year later by the EP Trolltaar. After Grimm's exit, Aphazel relocated from his native Norway to the U.S., forming a new Ancient lineup with vocalists Lord Kaiaphas and Kimberly Goss as well as drummer Kjetil. Signing to Metal Blade, the band issued 1996's The Cainian Chronicle; of the new roster additions, only Kjetil remained for the 1997 follow-up Mad Grandiose Bloodfiends, recorded with new vocalist Erichte and guitarist/ keyboardist Jesus Christ. Aphazel then moved to Italy, resulting in the exits of Erichte and Kjetil; new vocalist Deadly Kristin and drummer Krigse were installed for Ancient's fourth LP, 1999's The Halls of Eternity. The lineup continued to shift over the next few years with 2001's Proxima Centauri eschewing the female vocals and harkening back to their black metal roots. Ancient's touring began to take on a worldwide scope with shows in North America, Europe, Scandinavia, and North Africa. Following the release of 2004's Night Visit, the band's touring became more sporadic, eventually ceasing altogether. Reuniting in 2009 with latter-day drummer Nick Barker behind the kit, they continued to tour occasionally while preparing material for their long-awaited seventh LP, Back to the Land of the Dead, which finally arrived in 2016 via Soulseller Records. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi