War is useless. With this track, Ancient Settlers inflict criticism upon a new era of war in Europe, inspired by recent tragedies. One of the most powerful songs from the band, “Mihi Nomen Est Ira” is energetic and intense death metal accompanied by plenty of modern guitar solos. Clean and guttural voices are supported by Gregorian chants with special guest Pintxo Wayewta (Empire of Disease) featuring on the track.
From St. Sebastien, Spain, Ancient Settlers is a modern melodic death metal outfit comprised of five musicians, inspired by the recent tragedies that affect the way that humans live.
Founded in 2020 by Carlos Chiesa-Estomba and Herman Riera (Former Haboryn), Rene González (Former Aesthesis), Emmy Reyes (Blackbeer, Former Gamalyel), and Antony Hämäläinen (Meridian Dawn, Former Nightrage and Armageddon), Ancient Settlers is a group with more than fifteen-years’ experience in the European and American metal circuits.
The band started their journey with the intention to explore the frontiers of modern melodic death metal including catchy guitar riffs, the use of synths and keyboards and a variety of different sounds and rhythms, trying to develop their own musical personality. From a lyrical standpoint, the band is inspired by the recent tragedies that affect the earth and human race. They try to spread their message to all those prepared to listen.
In January 2021, the band released their first single “Diamond Eyes” digitally and alongside a limited edition 7” vinyl. The following February, the band released their debut EP, ‘Autumnus’. Both albums were recorded in Portugal, France, Spain, and the USA and had the services of Daniel Cardoso (Anathema, Anneke Van Grisbergen) mixing and mastering the album, as well as Gus “Perkele” Sazes (Angra, Kamelot, Gus G, Firewind, Arch Enemy, Morbid Angel) designing the artwork.
In April 2021, Miguel Herrera joined the band as the fulltime bass player and, despite the pandemic, in July 2021 the band performed their first European Tour including venues throughout Portugal, France and Spain. May 2021 saw Ancient Settlers sign to Crusader Records to release their first long play album, the killer 10-song ‘Out Last Eclipse’, produced by worldwide Grammy award-winner, Fredrik Nordstrom. For the art design, the band again worked with Gus Sazes.
In August of that year the band signed a deal with Dronicon Films to present a two-chapter animated Sci-Fi film. The first video “Library of Tears” was released in September as the first single of ‘Our Last Eclipse’, and the second “Cast in Gold” was released in February 2022.
In 2022, the band get back on the road to perform the songs from ‘Our Last Eclipse’, and tour across Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Switzerland, performing half of their shows with female metal singer Argen Death as special guest. Also in February 2022, Agustin Martinez replaced Emmy Reyes on the guitar and in March, the band released their 4th promotional video, “Cerements”.
‘Our Last Eclipse – The Settlers Saga Pt.1’ was released on April 1st on both physical and digital formats.
In 2023, Argen Death replaces Antony Hämäläinen on vocals and the band return to the studio to record their new EP, ‘Transition’, for Golden Robot Records. The EP will be under the guidance of Pedro J Monge (Vhaldemar, Rise to Fall, etc) at Chromaticity Studios, and the band will work with the recognised illustrator Jon Toussas (Metal Hammer, Septic-Flesh, Suicidal Angeles, etc). The band is currently preparing the tour to present ‘Transition’ across Europe.
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