Ancient Prophecy is a European Power Metal band that formed in Wetzlar, Germany back in 1996 by original members Florian Kraus(Guitars), Daniel Keck(Bass), and Michael Slansky(Drums). When one takes into consideration some of the Metal bands that call Germany home it's easy to see how Metal flows through the veins of many from this region. Some well known bands calling Germany home are Seventh Avenue, Sinbreed, Lightmare, Dark Sky, Adorned Graves, Avantasia, and At Vance.
The meaning behind the band's name can best be explained or defined as a prophecy – also called a prediction or a promise - in religious contexts can be understood as a prognosis of events in the future. This overarching term for collected oral or written predictions, mostly from one person is prophecy. This expression comes from Ancient Greek προφητεία (propheteía), meaning to speak beforehand or to speak on behalf of someone (φημἰ phēmí "I speak"; προ pro "before, on behalf of"). Usually the call to be a prophet came from the God of Israel tasking a messenger to deliver a verbal message that concerned the history of the entire nation of Israel. In Christianity, prophecies have been mentioned since the time of the original church in Jerusalem.
In 1998 Ancient Prophecy released their full-length Demo titled 'Days Of Doom' which consists of nine tracks. The musical direction on this release was that of Gothic and Classical styles of Metal music. Then In 2008 Ancient Prophecy released a 3-track demo called 'New Chapter'. This release found the band moving in a new direction with the use of elements from both the Death Metal & Power Metal genres. In 2015 Ancient Prophecy released their debut full-length album titled 'Pounded By Our Sins'. This was a Power Metal offering that garnered the attention of the Metal community with the release including touches of Progressive Metal, Speed Metal, Thrash, & Death Metal all in one package.
The meaning behind the band's name can best be explained or defined as a prophecy – also called a prediction or a promise - in religious contexts can be understood as a prognosis of events in the future. This overarching term for collected oral or written predictions, mostly from one person is prophecy. This expression comes from Ancient Greek προφητεία (propheteía), meaning to speak beforehand or to speak on behalf of someone (φημἰ phēmí "I speak"; προ pro "before, on behalf of"). Usually the call to be a prophet came from the God of Israel tasking a messenger to deliver a verbal message that concerned the history of the entire nation of Israel. In Christianity, prophecies have been mentioned since the time of the original church in Jerusalem.
In 1998 Ancient Prophecy released their full-length Demo titled 'Days Of Doom' which consists of nine tracks. The musical direction on this release was that of Gothic and Classical styles of Metal music. Then In 2008 Ancient Prophecy released a 3-track demo called 'New Chapter'. This release found the band moving in a new direction with the use of elements from both the Death Metal & Power Metal genres. In 2015 Ancient Prophecy released their debut full-length album titled 'Pounded By Our Sins'. This was a Power Metal offering that garnered the attention of the Metal community with the release including touches of Progressive Metal, Speed Metal, Thrash, & Death Metal all in one package.
"We make music to honor God
He is the Creator and we are His instruments."
He is the Creator and we are His instruments."
In 2019, just 4 year after their debut release, Ancient Prophecy released their sophomore full-length follow-up album profoundly titled 'Testimony'. With this release we find a band that has honed their skills and evolved into a power house band exhibiting a much higher level of performance. Ancient Prophecy is an independant band with 'Testimony' being produced and recorded at skyline studio by Ruben Jahrling. As one listens to this release the tight production is evident from track to track. Another package feature is the album's nicely done cover art which immediately grabs your attention. This 2019 release hits hard and heavy like a locomotive which has lost its breaks and is churning with full force and holding ramming speed. From track to track the band unleashes their unrelenting molten metal that mercilessly hammers your brain into mush!
As mentioned above, Ancient Prophecy Is a European Power Metal outfit but we are not talking about the light - I see butterflies variety of Power Metal. Were talking fist clenched, heads bang'n, laced boots pound'n to the sound of the thunderous Bass and Drum lines by Bassist-Timothy Bostick & Drummer-Lynn Neißner and rounded out with some guttural Death growls from Guitarist-Tobias Buss.
As mentioned above, Ancient Prophecy Is a European Power Metal outfit but we are not talking about the light - I see butterflies variety of Power Metal. Were talking fist clenched, heads bang'n, laced boots pound'n to the sound of the thunderous Bass and Drum lines by Bassist-Timothy Bostick & Drummer-Lynn Neißner and rounded out with some guttural Death growls from Guitarist-Tobias Buss.
To say that Vocalist-Jaqueline Kunz has improved is an understatement as her vocals send chills up my spine all throughout this release. On this sophomore album, Jaqueline's vocals just sound natural as she shows a strong command over her delivery all the while adding all the right hooks to keep one coming back for more.
The guitar department is by no means lacking depth as it is comprised of both Florian Kraus & Tobias Buss who make guitar play seem effortless and natural as they deliver their pay load lighting up the band's arrangements. From track to track one will find driving guitar riffs shattering the silence while Kraus & Buss move from Power Metal riffs to Thrash to 90's and early 2000's sounding guitar play.
"Our lyrics aren't about superficial love, great heroic deeds, dragons, mythologies or religion. They're about our personal relationship with God and the life of a believer with free will. When we talk about God, we don't mean just any God, but rather Jesus Christ the Son of God (the Savior) and the Holy Spirit. God doesn't want marionettes, those who just follow orders, or slaves. He sees us as individuals and would like a personal relationship with us. His love for us is so strong that He offered His own Son in our place for our debts. Through the blood of Jesus shed for us, we are washed clean from all the accusations of Satan (sins) and set free and stand before God without blemish. Our lyrics talk about life with Jesus Christ and the experiences of those who trust in Him. God is sovereign and cannot be influenced; He stands by His word (the Bible),
even if everyone were to renounce Him and the world were to end.
We all believe this and attest to it, even at our concerts."
even if everyone were to renounce Him and the world were to end.
We all believe this and attest to it, even at our concerts."
"A Million Stars"
These stars so beautiful are made for you and me.
They show His grace and might from now until eternity.
I see the stars up there and I am shaken to the core
Because I realize what they are standing for.
I look up to the stars and tell you what I see.
I can see the wonders He did for you and me,
The world of the King illuminated by a million stars.
A million stars
These stars so beautiful are made for you and me.
They show His grace and might from now until eternity.
I see the stars up there and I am shaken to the core
Because I realize what they are standing for.
I look up to the stars and tell you what I see.
I can see the wonders He did for you and me,
The world of the King illuminated by a million stars.
A million stars
"Holy Blood"
Your holy blood
That washes us clean,
Your holy blood
That saved us from our sins,
The revelation of Your endless love,
We will worship You with all we have.
Your holy blood
That washes us clean,
Your holy blood
That saved us from our sins,
The revelation of Your endless love,
We will worship You with all we have.
"Point Of No Return"
She drops down into the lake of death,
Her soul without a destination,
No rescue from eternal sleep
And lost in the game of life.
She remembers the Man on the cross.
She had never chosen that light!
He shed His blood for her.
Finally we’ll see who is right!
The last finger drowns in the lake.
Now she’s ready to turn back.
Death waves its forefinger:
“It’s too late darling, you’ve crossed the line.”
She drops down into the lake of death,
Her soul without a destination,
No rescue from eternal sleep
And lost in the game of life.
She remembers the Man on the cross.
She had never chosen that light!
He shed His blood for her.
Finally we’ll see who is right!
The last finger drowns in the lake.
Now she’s ready to turn back.
Death waves its forefinger:
“It’s too late darling, you’ve crossed the line.”
"The Bridge Is My Savior"
My faith is weak.
I mistakenly doubt the bridge’s strength.
Days I don’t believe what I should have.
My faith seems fake; even though the bridge holds me, I don’t trust it.
Should I risk taking another step?
Will my faith in the bridge hold me up?
I can’t cross over; it’s too far.
My foot stays planted on dry ground.
My faith grows because the bridge holds every step,
“Keep going! I can bear all your weight!
I’ll maintain your faith to the end!”
My faith is weak.
I mistakenly doubt the bridge’s strength.
Days I don’t believe what I should have.
My faith seems fake; even though the bridge holds me, I don’t trust it.
Should I risk taking another step?
Will my faith in the bridge hold me up?
I can’t cross over; it’s too far.
My foot stays planted on dry ground.
My faith grows because the bridge holds every step,
“Keep going! I can bear all your weight!
I’ll maintain your faith to the end!”
After having read this reviewer's comments above and you are still confused and wondering then - Yes! this is how it's done!! If you are into Metal and are looking for some new material to add to your collection then don't hesitate, go ahead and pick up your copy of this incredible release by Ancient Prophecy - 'Testimony'.
Album purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Jaqueline Kunz-Lead/Backing Vocals
Florian Kraus-Guitars/Backing Vocals
Tobias Buss-Guitars/Guttural Death Vocals/Backing Vocals
Timothy Bostick-Bass
Lynn Neißner-Drums/Management
Jaqueline Kunz-Lead/Backing Vocals
Florian Kraus-Guitars/Backing Vocals
Tobias Buss-Guitars/Guttural Death Vocals/Backing Vocals
Timothy Bostick-Bass
Lynn Neißner-Drums/Management