Ancient Myth

Ancient Myth is a symphonic metal band based in Tokyo, Japan. Their style features orchestral keyboards and catchy, melodic vocals laid over a metallic core of rhythm section and string instruments, with a distinctive flavor melding classical with pop and gloom with upbeat emotional overtones.

Drummer Mittu and others formed the group in 2002, with their first album Antibes released on Black-listed Records in 2005. Several new members joined in January 2008: vocalist Michal, formerly of Mandylion and codename:Wingless, guitarist Yuri and bassist Naoki. Ancient Myth’s first maxi-single Aurora came out on the same label in September 2009.

The band has toured extensively throughout Japan, and in May 2010 distributed a demo CD Distant View to the Ashen Light / Level X in Tokyo, Hamamatsu and Osaka to high acclaim. In August of the same year they organized their first musical event, Trilogy of Fate, which was a smashing success. Their second album, Astrolabe in Your Heart, came out in October 2010.

Around this time keyboardist Shacho and founding member Mittu (drums) departed the group, but the remaining members continued pursuing musical activities. Drummer Juhki joined in July 2011 and keyboardist Puzzy in October 2011, with the third album Akashic released on February 24, 2012. Ancient Myth commemorated the album’s release with a special concert a week beforehand, on February 18 (where the live CD Awake to the Next Myth was sold), and the entire show sold out in advance.
The band’s first performance without any other acts was presented in November 2012, also selling out in advance and taking place in front of a packed house. This show was the last for departing drummer Juhki (drums) and guitarist Yuri, but the band continues touring live with supporting members filling in.

(Looking ahead)
After the release of third album Akashic, Ancient Myth gained increased coverage online and in magazines not only in Japan but overseas as well. An engineer specializing in the symphonic sound for which Ancient Myth is known will be brought on board from abroad for the next release, scheduled for December 2013. A promotional contract was signed with British agency Two Side Moon in July 2013. Aiming to step up their overseas activities after the next release, the group is currently in negotiations with several record labels outside Japan.