Dream of the Black Rose

The 5th album by the Bards of Antiquity has arrived! This album is my solo effort, and I am very satisfied with the results. I have learned much and embarked on learning more.

This album tells the story of a knight trapped in an endless cycle of sleep by a demon, but it also tells of a person struggling in a toxic relationship. Underneath all this, though, it is about struggling with and awakening from ignorance.

This album was inspired by and is my contribution to the Arthurian myths. If ever there was a time to dream of a king who would return and save us all, it is now.

I hope you enjoy.

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A New Dawn

Its been a while since my last post and lots of things have happened. The rest of the Bards are gone. We had great fun playing and hanging out together and I wish them all well. I couldn’t have come this far without them, and we played some awesomely epic games of Dungeons and Dragons.
As a solo artist being an entire band while really only being comfortable as a singer proved difficult. I’ve been playing bass (which I’m okay at), keys and guitar for a long time, but only at a rudimentary level. (as evidenced in my earlier work, Flammable Gas) With the rest of the band gone and the passion for creating concept albums still alive, I had to improve.
As I was working on the fourth album, Ravens at Twilight, I had the pleasure of including a friend from high school, Ken Schultz, who was very good on guitar, on a few tracks. He gave me a few lessons on music theory, and left me with a very nice bass guitar, which you can hear on the new album.
I continued to learn about theory, finally breaking through when I happened upon this website.
That said the fifth album, Dream of the Black Rose, will be released on Halloween 2019. This will be my first completely solo work.
Some of this material has been released ahead of time, (so as to game Spotify’s algorithms)and can be heard here
In keeping with the theme of the upcoming album, I am posting this to celebrate a new dawn for the Bards of Antiquity.
I’ll be back soon to speak more, but my cup of coffee is running low and I have plants to water.
Cheers!
-John Vincent Carpetta, Bards of Antiquity

The Bards Speak!

The Skald – Our Second Album

The Bards of Antiquity are proud to present our second album, The Skald. This time around we have changed in the Victorian funeral sound for more of an electric Viking alternative sound.

The Skald tells the tale of a young Viking leader’s quest for glory while at the same time drawing an allegory for a cycle of failed relationships.

The Skald

Salix Babylonica now only $4.99!!

Salix Babylonica for $4.99!!

Available at CD Baby, follow the link (above)

We have a few physical copies left, too. These feature custom artwork by M Studios, lyrics and credits. They can be found at the same link for the low price of $9.99

Not sure if you want to buy one yet? Follow the link and give it a listen!

We have a new album coming out very soon (The Skald) and a third one (Memories of Tomorrow) nearly complete for release in 2017.

This is a great opportunity to discover the Bards of Antiquity and follow us as we write, record and produce our own progressive ambient concept albums.

Listen to the Entire Album!

We have uploaded our entire first album, Salix Babylonica, as one long video. Now you can hear the album as it was intended, and be able to enjoy the story the songs collectively tell.

As a bonus, while watching you may enjoy a slideshow of a photo shoot we did to support the album.

Salix Babylonica

 

 

Dark Matter

New Song by The Bards of Antiquity

Available for FREE download and streaming:

(If you look close there are two other songs, Interstellar and Suspended Animation, also available)

Suspended Animation

Cat Rescue!

Dante found himself a new friend! This kitten wandered into his garage for warmth. He’s feeding it, and trying to coax it out. So far it eats, hisses, bites and balances on golf clubs (pictured). We’re hoping to teach it cuddling soon.

 

Pyramus, as Death

Another shot of Pyramus, as Death. A pseudonym playing a character, that’s how the Bards like it: cryptic and layered.

For instance, did you know our song, “The Fall” is not only about the protagonist’s descent to the Underworld, but it also refers to Autumn, when Persephone must also return to the Underworld to re-join her husband, Hades?