A New Dawn Ending
Ancient Bards · 2014
75 min · 11 tracks · power metal
Epic orchestral arrangements intertwine with powerful vocals and intricate guitar work, creating a sweeping narrative across each track.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
A Greater Purpose — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound with its soaring melodies and thematic depth, addressing existential questions through powerful lyrics and instrumentation.
-
→
Showdown — Clocking in at nearly 13 minutes, this epic piece showcases Ancient Bards' compositional prowess, seamlessly blending heavy riffs with orchestral interludes that drive the narrative.
-
→
In My Arms — A poignant ballad that highlights the emotional range of the band, this track features heartfelt lyrics and an intimate arrangement that contrasts with their more bombastic songs.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines powerful vocals and orchestral arrangements, showcasing strong compositions but with some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features fast-paced tracks with intricate guitar solos, while the second half shifts to more melodic and orchestral arrangements.
- Vocals alternate between soaring choruses and spoken word sections, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
- Several tracks incorporate symphonic elements, such as strings and choirs, which enhance the epic feel of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
A Greater Purpose
The verse shifts perspective to directly question one's existence and motivations, inviting listeners to reflect on their own life choices.
This structural choice creates an engaging dialogue with the audience, enhancing the song's thematic depth by breaking the fourth wall.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Before the Storm 1:39
- 2 A Greater Purpose 7:55
- 3 Flaming Heart 6:52
- 4 Across This Life 4:31
- 5 In My Arms 5:25
- 6 The Last Resort 6:06
- 7 Showdown 12:48
- 8 In the End 5:11
- 9 Spiriti Liberi 4:49
- 10 A New Dawn Ending 16:37
- 11 Melodies of Life (Final Fantasy IX Theme) 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.