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Ancient Bards - Soulless Child



8.3 | 134 votes |
Release date: 18 November 2011
Style: Symphonic power metal

Owners:

111 have it
10 want it


01. Struggle For Life
02. To The Master Of Darkness
03. Gates Of Noland
04. Broken Illusion
05. All That Is True
06. Valiant Ride
07. Dinanzi Al Flagello
08. Soulless Child
09. Through My Veins
10. Hope Dies Last

Guest review by
R Lewis
Rating:
8.5
I was initially quite embarrassed by seeing on my Ipod "Artist" list the pretty lame name of Ancient Bards between the more celebrated ones of Amorphis and Angra but, just after the first listen, I could neatly answer to the following question posed by a classmate: "What the fuck is Ancient Bards?"


Read more ››
published 25.01.2013 | Comments (1)

Found in 18 lists
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Comments

Comments: 26   Visited by: 372 users
30.11.2011 - 05:37
pisymbol

Let me start since I see this at the top of the best of 2011 list.

Here we go:



No, no, no. This is metal not live-action role-playing.

I know it can be confusing sometimes because of those pesky power metal bands.

Somebody, please email their publicist. Quickly.
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30.11.2011 - 06:02
Troy Killjoy
perfunctionist
Written by pisymbol on 30.11.2011 at 05:37
No, no, no. This is metal not live-action role-playing.

Medieval LARPing? Nice.
----
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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30.11.2011 - 06:09
pisymbol

Written by Troy Killjoy on 30.11.2011 at 06:02

Written by pisymbol on 30.11.2011 at 05:37
No, no, no. This is metal not live-action role-playing.

Medieval LARPing? Nice.


Staffers are required to roll 1D10 3 times and take the highest number for an official rating. Just saying.
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30.11.2011 - 13:43
Kamil
Account deleted
I've just discovered this stuff and I can already tell, that this is the best symphonic metal of the decade
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02.12.2011 - 05:04
Rating: 5
hadriel

Am I the only one that finds this incredibly repetitive and boring?
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03.12.2011 - 00:23
Stabby
Account deleted
Written by hadriel on 02.12.2011 at 05:04

Am I the only one that finds this incredibly repetitive and boring?


Judging by the ratings there are two others who share that opinion with you. Repetitive? Yes it kind of is. They could use some better hooks, but I don't find it all that boring, just inconsistently exciting, if that makes sense.

If Pathfinder is a 9 and Fairyland's A Score To A New Beginning is a 10, then this is a 7.5 in the world of symphonic power-metal. I would enjoy this if they opened for a band that I liked a lot, and I think that they have a big future if they just work on being a little more enticing with their themes.
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04.12.2011 - 00:10
Rating: 9
Susan
Smeghead
Is this album really the shizzle? I may have to pick it up on faith.
----
"A life all mine
Is what I choose
At the end of my days"
--The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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04.12.2011 - 01:48
Rating: 7
R'Vannith
ghedengi
Written by hadriel on 02.12.2011 at 05:04

Am I the only one that finds this incredibly repetitive and boring?


Nope, repetitive is exactly how I'd describe it. There is some enjoyable material but it's often stretched out far too much. The vocalist seems as if she is talented but her work sounds rather flat here to me.
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04.12.2011 - 04:57
Stabby
Account deleted
Written by Susan on 04.12.2011 at 00:10

Is this album really the shizzle? I may have to pick it up on faith.


Check out the first official video so you don't have to go completely on faith.
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04.12.2011 - 05:24
Rating: 5
hadriel

Written by Guest on 03.12.2011 at 00:23

Written by hadriel on 02.12.2011 at 05:04

Am I the only one that finds this incredibly repetitive and boring?


Judging by the ratings there are two others who share that opinion with you. Repetitive? Yes it kind of is. They could use some better hooks, but I don't find it all that boring, just inconsistently exciting, if that makes sense.

If Pathfinder is a 9 and Fairyland's A Score To A New Beginning is a 10, then this is a 7.5 in the world of symphonic power-metal. I would enjoy this if they opened for a band that I liked a lot, and I think that they have a big future if they just work on being a little more enticing with their themes.


Fair enough, I think I caught this when it just got enough votes to make the top of 2011 and it's since been brought down a decent amount...so I'm guessing I probably went into it expecting a lot. I would agree that both albums mentioned are better than this release. Inconsistently exciting does make sense to me, I'll give this album a few more spins and see if it grows on me some more.
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04.12.2011 - 05:47
Stabby
Account deleted
Written by hadriel on 04.12.2011 at 05:24

Written by Guest on 03.12.2011 at 00:23

Written by hadriel on 02.12.2011 at 05:04

Am I the only one that finds this incredibly repetitive and boring?


Judging by the ratings there are two others who share that opinion with you. Repetitive? Yes it kind of is. They could use some better hooks, but I don't find it all that boring, just inconsistently exciting, if that makes sense.

If Pathfinder is a 9 and Fairyland's A Score To A New Beginning is a 10, then this is a 7.5 in the world of symphonic power-metal. I would enjoy this if they opened for a band that I liked a lot, and I think that they have a big future if they just work on being a little more enticing with their themes.


Fair enough, I think I caught this when it just got enough votes to make the top of 2011 and it's since been brought down a decent amount...so I'm guessing I probably went into it expecting a lot. I would agree that both albums mentioned are better than this release. Inconsistently exciting does make sense to me, I'll give this album a few more spins and see if it grows on me some more.


Yeah it probably will at least a bit, it did for me. There is a lot going on musically and it isn't extremely memorable, but the more you listen to it the more memorable it becomes. A really really good power metal album is memorable on the first listen, though.
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04.12.2011 - 15:41
Rating: 5
Zmaj Ognjeni Vuk
To Mega Therion
Written by hadriel on 02.12.2011 at 05:04

Am I the only one that finds this incredibly repetitive and boring?

No you're not. Both albums sound really dull IMHO, and I can't figure out what the deal is.
----


Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one, and they all stink.
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06.12.2011 - 06:07
Rating: 4
farfaramir

Written by hadriel on 02.12.2011 at 05:04

Am I the only one that finds this incredibly repetitive and boring?

+1

The idea worked in the first album, now it was their chance to show something new. I mind, songs like "All that is true" are pointless, ten minutes of nothing! It has some nice moments, like the title track, but the first time I almost fall sleep (I have to start it all over again the next day... No improvent, but I could finish it).
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06.12.2011 - 17:56
Rating: 9
Susan
Smeghead
I finally listened to that video above and have to say: I really dig this! I can't speak to the similarities to previous albums but I will definitely be excited to pick this one up. The music was way fun and a bit nostalgic for symphonic power metal trends of 10ish years ago. The guitar solos were fun and well placed, also her voice was neat too.. not pretentious like so many lesser metal singers. A bonus. Hopefully the rest of the album lives up to that song.
----
"A life all mine
Is what I choose
At the end of my days"
--The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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06.12.2011 - 23:04
Rating: 7
Ag Fox
Angel No More
Haha, I checked out the video as well. Can't say I'm pumped to listen to the whole thing. It feels like it's been done so many times and better before by other bands. Nevertheless, I'll dive into the whole thing later. Hopefully my mind will change for the better.
----
loves 小巫
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10.12.2011 - 05:57
Rating: 9
Susan
Smeghead
Finally got it! SWEET album! Perfect amount of cheese and they perform it so, so well. I'll have to let the album sink in further before voting but for now I'm really loving it

The only "problem" I can see is that it's a little long. I'm a firm believer in "always leave them wanting more" and prefer albums that make me want to hit play again and again, instead of being like "whew that's finally over." It's not overly long.. but it's nearing the edge. Nonetheless AWESOME music!!
----
"A life all mine
Is what I choose
At the end of my days"
--The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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12.12.2011 - 17:32
Rating: 8
Draugen

Ancient Bard's debut album was one of last years highlights for me and luckily Soulles Child continues in the same vein as the previous effort, which means more cheesy power metal with crazy solos and powerful female vocals. It might not have as many memorable tracks as The Alliance of the Kings and it drags on a fraction too much, but overall it is a really good album that I highly recommend.
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15.12.2011 - 03:56
AngelofDeth
Cyborg Raptor
Written by Zmaj Ognjeni Vuk on 04.12.2011 at 15:41

Written by hadriel on 02.12.2011 at 05:04

Am I the only one that finds this incredibly repetitive and boring?

No you're not. Both albums sound really dull IMHO, and I can't figure out what the deal is.

I think its the vocal melodies, they have no power or affection and theyre very plain. i too couldnt understand why i didnt like this band since the instrumentals are pretty good and i love chick singers. but the more i listen the more i realize how boring the vocals/vocal melodies are, theyr completely emotionless and powerless.
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pewpew.. gotcha
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15.12.2011 - 04:14
Rating: 9
Susan
Smeghead
Listening again and loving more and more.

I see why some people think this is repetitive but I disagree. It's a valid point, they're DEFINITELY a genre band and have their personal stamp over every note. I guess it's just a matter of taste. I love the epic and nostalgic quality they bring to power metal and damn, Sara's vocals are special. It's rare to find a singer around these parts who really knows how to access her whole voice.
----
"A life all mine
Is what I choose
At the end of my days"
--The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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24.12.2011 - 03:01
Rating: 9
Vikcen
Metálico
The first album was better, but this last is also quite good, i love Sara, the emotion that she is able to transmit is almost insuperable =), one of the best singers currently. Well, i find it quite solid until the last track Hope Dies Last, a song very weak and flat in my opinion, and 14 minutes of song nothing less, a shame, because the album could have been excellent. On the other side, in this album they changed their sound a little bit compared with the first, maybe a bit more darkest. The album surprises a little with the song Through My Veins with nice scream vocals in one of the chorus, by the way very good song. The album also features with high quality in the keyboards, symphonic elements, guitar solos, and again with the tremendous choirs with Sara Squadrani at the head =).
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24.12.2011 - 09:36
Rating: 8
renai

If they keep improve it will maybe end up like Rhapsody in female version. so far, I love this album but it is just slightly above standard.
----
hey...my blog >>> http://metalharem.blogspot.com/
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12.02.2012 - 04:04
Rating: 9
Aebsi

Boy this girl can sing, absolutely amazing and wonderfull voice, the only downside I can think of is the fact I didn't discover this band sooner
----
Just be Yourself
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13.02.2012 - 16:35
Rating: 8
The Norseman

It has a better production and sound quality than the first album but the songs don't sound as good as the first one.

"To the Master Of Darkness", "All That Is True" and "Through My Veins" are my favorite songs.
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28.02.2012 - 02:09
Rating: 7
Paradox0
Unasuming Madnes
Written by AngelofDeth on 15.12.2011 at 03:56

Written by Zmaj Ognjeni Vuk on 04.12.2011 at 15:41

Written by hadriel on 02.12.2011 at 05:04



I think its the vocal melodies, they have no power or affection and theyre very plain. i too couldnt understand why i didnt like this band since the instrumentals are pretty good and i love chick singers. but the more i listen the more i realize how boring the vocals/vocal melodies are, theyr completely emotionless and powerless.


I kind of felt the same way about Sara's vocals. There is a very gentle and lovely quality to her voice, but its almost wasted trying to catch up with the speed of the music. Although I suppose an operatic or male vocal might be more fitting it would ironically be more generic. I found the symphonic elements masterfully done and sound utterly amazing, but....its those climaxes of orchestration which make everything else by comparison a bit bland.

However I feel that Sara also tries to sing a bit outside of her range, as I feel that the higher octaves she tries to reach end up sounding a little nasally and almost like shouting. However she keeps enough control of her voice that those attempts kind of become a defining moment of her pushing her limits which in effect transfers to the overall music, which is always trying to push its limits.

I only wish that there were more symphonic elements. Ancient Bards kind of felt a little short of Nightwish in a respect where Nightwish uses there symphonics very effectively in transporting the listener to another world, creating some excellent scenery to accompany the music, and in the future I wouldn't mind having AB expand there symphonic elements a little more.
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17.12.2013 - 04:18
Luneth
Account deleted
I liked their first album more, this one bored me a lot, nothing jumped out at me first couple times listening and that isnt a good sign :/ 6/7 out of 10 for me, 7.5 if im being very generous.
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17.09.2022 - 07:07
Rating: 7
24emd
Theory Snob
It's got good moments, cliche moments, and it's a bit too much on the neo-classical side, and I really don't like the male vocals on Through My Veins. Those are the only problems though, still an excellent album full of great songs. All That Is True, imo, is an amazing song, best on the album. Still, it's not quite a masterpiece like A New Dawn Ending.
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"I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense." - Proverbs 30:2
"Music? Well, it's just entertainment, folks!" - Devin Townsend

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