They may be an emerging metal band, but the musicians in Ancient Settlers are no newbies to the heavy music scene. Founding members Carlos Chiesa-Estomba, Herman Riera, Rene González, Emmy Reyes, and Antony Hämäläinen joined forces in 2020, bringing their more than 15 years experience in the European and American metal circuits to the table. And thus, Ancient Settlers began their musical journey.
This entailed the exploration of modern melodic death metal while the band honed in on their own musical personality. From a lyrical standpoint, their inspiration comes from the recent tragedies that affect the earth and human race. Ancient Settlers sought out to spread their message to whoever would listen. But like many bands in 2020, they faced new obstacles when the pandemic hit.
After modifying their original plans, the band pushed through. In January of 2021, Ancient Settlers made their debut with their first single, “Diamonds Eyes”. Shortly after, they delivered their debut EP, Autumnus. It’s an atmospheric collection of 4 tracks that utilize catchy guitars riffs, synths, and keyboards. On Autumnus, Ancient Settlers aren’t afraid to play with different speeds and rhythms. There’s moments where you’ll definitely be banging your head, and there’s also those that will completely engulf you like the opener, “Prelude to the Fall”.
Bassist Miguel Herrera signed on in April 2021, solidifying their current, 6 member line up. Once that was complete, the band started to develop a tour for venues throughout Portugal, France, and Spain. In July 2021, Ancient Settlers hit the road on their “Autumnus Europe Tour”.
This week, some of the members of Ancient Settlers share the 5 songs that made them metalheads. Keep reading to learn more about their musical evolution.
5 Songs That Made Me A Metalhead: Ancient Settlers
Don’t forget headbang along with the corresponding playlist here on Spotify!
“Mouth For War” – Pantera
From 1992’s Vulgar Display of Power
Herman Riera (Drummer): “Oh god! A lot [of] songs made me fall in love multiple times with metal, but if I have to choose one, I would say “Mouth for War” from Pantera’s Vulgar Display of Power album! I was eight or 9 and a friend took the album from his older brother’s room and went to my house. We played it as we were listening to evil music! Haha! He didn’t like it at all! But I loved it! Since then, Pantera became my favorite band!
“Opus Void” by Throne of Chaos
From 2000’s Menace and Prayer
Rene González (Keys & Synth): “Well, this is a really tricky question; as I don’t consider myself a metalhead. I’m more of a classical, highly trained pianist who happens to like metal, but I’ll try my best to answer the question. The song that I could say made me become a metalhead is almost undoubtedly “Opus Void” by Throne of Chaos, from their first (and their best) album Menace & Prayer.
I remember I was in high school at that time. A dear friend of mine came back from a trip, and yeah, we used to listen to prog (Rush, Styx, Dream Theater, and some metal but we weren’t too much into that). Said friend came back to town with this album, Menace and Prayer from Throne of Chaos, because he was getting into heavier music and all (Scandinavian stuff). But I was not interested, because it was not complex and highly skilled like with the music I grew up with (I’m a conservatory/classical music school boy).
I decided to give it a fair chance, and from the first second I was absolutely blown away by the entire production of the album. I was like, “this is not possible. This is insanely melodic, harsh, and virtuoso, like the music I love!” Then we got to the “Opus Void” song and I said to myself, “if this can be achieved in metal, then I can [do it]/want it too.”
Yes, I knew of the existence of more melodic stuff before, like Jens Johansson being involved with Stratovarius. But I was not a fan of metal. I was a fan of Jens Johansson strictly. That was my gateway band into being a ‘metalhead’.”
*This song is not on Spotify and as such, it’s not included in the playlist. It is available on YouTube.*
“The Number of the Beast” – Iron Maiden
From 1982’s The Number of the Beast
Rex Chiesa (Guitar): “This song and the next two I found in a set of albums that a friend gave me when I was a child. “The Number of the Beast” was the first guitar riff that blew my mind. The solo section was the main reason I started to play the guitar.”
“Zombie Ritual” – Death
From 1987’s Scream Bloody Gore
Rex Chiesa (Guitar): “Scream Bloody Gore was my first death metal album. Those melodies at the beginning of this song, Chuck’s voice, and the fucking fast guitar riff changed my life.”
“Arise” – Sepultura
From 1991’s Arise
Rex Chiesa (Guitar): “For me, this is the best thrash metal album and the most amazing thrash metal song. It’s pure violence, and the combination with those effects on the voice, the meaning, the harmonies… It’s a perfect song.”
What’s Next For Ancient Settlers & Where To Listen
Recently, the band signed with Crusader Records for a 10 track album they have in the works. The upcoming record will be produced by Fredrik Nordstrom. The first single off of that release, “Library of Tears”, will drop on September 28th, and it can be preordered/presaved here. In the meantime, stream their debut EP Autumnus on Spotify or pick up a physical copy on their bandcamp.
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