ANCIIENTS – Heart of Oak – January 30, 2013

Last November, Season of Mist announced the signing of Vancouver metal quartet ANCIIENTS. The band’s debut album is entitled ‘Heart of Oak’ and has been scheduled for an April 12th (April 16th in North America) release. “Raise the Sun”, the first song off of ‘Heart of Oak’, is streaming now at Decibel Magazine. Here are the cover artwork and tracklisting of the album:

Raise the Sun Overthrone Falling in Line One Foot in the Light The Longest River Giants Faith and Oath Flood and Fire For Lisa

Regarding “Raise the Sun”, ANCIIENTS states: “[The song] represents what we are all about as a band, musically and lyrically. It contains most if not all the elements that we look for in the kind of music we enjoy. It’s heavy but melodic; this is how we like things to be. Our sound might be full of contrast and duality, but not for contrast’s sake; rather always for the sake of the song. Lyrically it’s about an Egyptian myth, the “Hymn to the Rising Sun” and a visualization of said myth. It’s about walking the correct path and achieving a sort of awakening. “Raise the Sun” is one of our favorites from the record for sure.”

‘Heart of Oak’ was produced by the band and engineered by Jesse Gander (JAPANDROIDS, BISON B.C.) at The Hive Creative Labs (BLACK MOUNTAIN, NOMEANSNO) in Vancouver in Winter 2011/2012, and mastered by Alan Douches (MASTODON, BARONESS, CLUTCH) at WestWestside music. The album artwork was drawn by illustrator Alison Lilly.

“One of 2013’s most anticipated albums” – Decibel magazine

“The foursome’s brand of metal is thunderous yet always focused on melody, striking a strong balance between commanding and catchy. Unlike much of today’s mainstream metal acts, these guys know how to write honest-to-goodness songs, showing tremendous discipline amidst all the instrumental flamboyance, and are primed to put their young peers to shame.” – Popmatters.com, The Best Hopes to Break Out in 2013.