Epic Bard – A Different View
Only One Records, November 11, 2024
Genre: Progressive Metal, Symphonic Rock, Christian Metal
Format: CD, Digital
There’s a certain boldness required to take the name Epic Bard. It implies storytelling, adventure, and something larger than life. With A Different View, Conroe, Texas-based multi-instrumentalist Jens Jorgensen fulfills that vision. His second full-length album under the Epic Bard name builds on the reflective tone of Falls Like Rain, delivering tighter songwriting, increased variety, and a distinct blend of intensity and sincerity.
The album flows as a personal and spiritual journey, each track exploring themes of doubt, insight, and renewal. It opens with Corinthians, a brief but high-energy track with a punk rhythm and punchy drum work.
Impossible Your Truth keeps the punk-influenced feel and adds fast metal riffs, creating a sharp edge and strong momentum early in the album. Deep Down Inside slows the tempo at first, gradually building into a layered composition with emotional pacing. Its structure reflects an inner tension that resolves as the song progresses.
Take A Moment moves quickly with bursts of energy and a slower breakdown that invites reflection. The track includes some of the album’s harsher background vocals, adding contrast and texture. Lyrically, it offers memorable wisdom: we cannot grow when we think we’re in control.
Chaff in the Wind delivers one of the standout lyrical moments with the line, “You are so close, Father, Son, Holy Ghost.” The song blends a reverent tone with melodic phrasing, supported by deliberate pacing and strong lead vocals.
Father of Lies brings the tempo up again with assertive riffing and a darker tone. The arrangement is punchy and driven, adding contrast to the album’s more contemplative sections.
We Can Make It follows with groove-oriented guitar work and layered melodies. The tone leans positive, and the vocal arrangement reinforces a message of persistence and encouragement.
Midnights to Mornings stands out musically with its groovy basslines and smooth transitions. The guitar work is tasteful and expressive, helping to carry the emotional weight of the track.
Dream of Deception raises the intensity with a faster pace and tight execution. It builds urgency and energy, fitting for its themes of disillusionment and inner conflict.
The album closes with Surfside Strut, a laid-back surf rock instrumental that ends the record on a playful and relaxed note. It provides a unique contrast to the rest of the album and leaves the listener with a sense of movement and clarity.
The production is clean and intentional. Jorgensen achieves strong balance across guitars, synths, bass, and drums. His vocal mix is clear and accessible throughout, allowing both lyrics and melodic lines to connect without distraction.
Visually, the album’s artwork supports the core message. Light breaking into a darkened room suggests that perspective can change everything. It is a visual cue to the listener that the album’s title is both an invitation and a challenge.
Epic Bard continues to evolve, and A Different View represents a confident step forward. It is musically diverse, lyrically thoughtful, and unafraid to blend grit with grace.
Track Highlights:
Impossible Your Truth – punk energy with fast metal riffs
Take A Moment – powerful pacing with dynamic vocal textures
Chaff in the Wind – poetic worship anchored by melody
Midnights to Mornings – groovy basslines and expressive transitions
Surfside Strut – an instrumental closer with surf rock charm
RIYL: Neal Morse, Theocracy, Saviour Machine, Kerry Livgren, Glass HammerListen and Learn More:
Bandcamp: https://epicbard.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-view
YouTube (Full Album Playlist): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYFOg-7Wor0&list=OLAK5uy_m-Con0oupvzFBpcc2diqTT4x
