Ancient Members, Gear & Sound

Ancient is a pioneering force in the Norwegian black metal scene, recognized for their dark, atmospheric compositions infused with symphonic and melodic elements. The group was originally formed in 1992 as a solo project by Aphazel (Magnus Garvik), who handled guitar duties and composition. The lineup soon expanded to include Grimm on vocals and drums, marking the beginning of Ancient's journey. Over the years, the band has seen numerous lineup changes, with key members such as Kimberly Goss (vocals, keyboards), Kjetil (drums), and Lord Kaiaphas (vocals) contributing to its sound. Ancient's style blends the raw intensity of black metal with the grandeur of symphonic arrangements, creating a distinct niche within the genre.

Ancient's sound is characterized by its dark, atmospheric layers and aggressive yet melodic undertones. The music often juxtaposes raw, distorted guitar riffs with symphonic keyboard textures, creating a rich and haunting sonic landscape. Aphazel's use of the Caparison Angelus TR and Jackson Randy Rhoads V guitars injects a sharp, cutting edge to the band's sound, while Kimberly Goss’s keyboards, such as the Korg N364 Workstation Synthesizer, add layers of eerie ambiance. The interplay between thundering, relentless drumming and ominous keyboard arrangements helps to craft the band's dark, immersive vibe, making Ancient a quintessential act for those seeking to explore the depths of black metal's more symphonic and melodic territories.