Gauntlet News

Anciients Unleash the Reimagined Beast: 'Humanist' Returns Heavy and Heartfelt

By Jason •
Canadian prog metal titans Anciients are set to obliterate stages once again as they unveil a re-recorded classic ahead of their long-awaited European tour.

In a thunderous proclamation from the Canadian metal scene, Anciients are back on the map, celebrating the ten-year legacy of their Juno Award-winning album, Voice Of The Void. With the dust barely settled from their latest triumph, these progressive metal juggernauts are sharpening their blades for their first European and UK tour in over a decade.

Today marks a pivotal moment as Anciients unleash a re-recorded version of the seismic track, “Humanist.” Originally birthed during the band's formative years on their 2011 debut EP, Snakebeard, this powerhouse anthem later found its way onto the bonus track list of their revered 2013 full-length, Heart Of Oak. The revamped 2026 version showcases the band's current lineup, fresh off a Juno win in 2025 for their latest opus, Beyond The Reach Of The Sun, while also featuring haunting backing vocals from former member Chris Dyck, who originally contributed to the track.

“‘Humanist’ was the first song we recorded as a band,” says Kenny Cook, Anciients' powerhouse vocalist and guitarist. “After experiencing the sonic rebirth of ‘Built To Die’ last year, we knew ‘Humanist’ deserved the same level of treatment.” With a nod to nostalgia and a forward-looking perspective, Cook insists the song encapsulates a wild dream, intertwining the heaviest riffs with a kaleidoscope of musical elements.

As the anticipation builds, Anciients are gearing up for their 2026 Ascent Of The Fallen Ones tour, and the dates are nothing short of exhilarating. Kicking off on September 26 in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, they’ll shred their way through iconic venues across Europe and the UK, concluding with a fiery performance in Bragança, Portugal, on October 15.

Prepare yourselves, metalheads. Anciients are here to prove once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the progressive metal realm. With “Humanist” re-energized and a slew of tour dates lined up, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey through sound and fury.