When we talk about Ancient there are two possible opinions on this from origin Norwegian band. Whether you like them or you don`t. I belong to the first category only I have to admit I kind of lost the band after their great debut "Svartalvheim". Now in 2001 Aphazel again succeeded in composing a solid release full of epic and melodic orientated black metal with that original Ancient feel. "Proxima Centauri" certainly has become the most varied release of Ancient and also the musical abilities of the band members reached a higher level.

Especially new Italian drummer Grom did a great job this time. Most of the songs on "Proxima Centauri" are played at mid-tempo and are influenced by diverse styles of metal. So now and then we can even enjoy some thrash and death metal riffs. But what to think of great songs as "The Witch", a new black metal hit, or the more epic songs as "Eyes of the Death" and "A Lurking Threat". And the fact that most of the band-members also write songs prove that quality doesn`t necessary has to come from one single composer.