caption current_members website years_active label article_title past_members background genre image origin name
` night visit ' lineup zel dhilorz nicholas barker -lsb- http://www.ancientband.net www.ancientband.net -rsb- 1992 -- present metal blade , listenable , sleaszy rider ancient -lrb- band -rrb-
 -lrb- see below -rrb- group_or_band black metal ancient band big.jpg bergen , norway ancient
ancient -lrb- band -rrb-

ancient is a norwegian black metal band from bergen , formed in 1992 .
the band released six full-length albums released by metal blade records to date and a variety of mini-albums , eps and special releases .
ancient used to have the classic raw black metal sound , similar to darkthrone 's works .
beginning with `` the cainian chronicle '' , they moved towards a more nordic/atmospheric black metal sound , akin to emperor and a cleaner production .
after a period of turmoil concerning their line-up , they went on to add gothic-style instruments such as violins , a female vocalist , and synthesizers to their music .
to this day ancient can be considered as one of the original norwegian black metal bands that were part of the now famous scene of the early nineties .
they were one of the very first norwegian black metal bands to sign for a semi-major label -lrb- metal blade records -rrb- .
there is no evidence of any involvement of ancient with the infamous occurrences of the norwegian black metal scene , although they were part of the same scene .
ancient can be considered as a historical black metal act by all standards , whose path took a different course upon their relocation around the world and subsequent exit from the local norwegian scene .
