Ancient Cross is Michael Lance vocalist, Joe Esquivel lead & rhythm guitars, Mike Rodriguez lead & rhythm guitars, Benny Barrera bassist and Miguel Morales percussionist.
Ancient Cross is molded out of the same slab of metal that put San Antonio on the map as The Metal Capital Of the World with local influences from Wyzard, S.A. Slayer, Juggernaut, Watchtower, Helstar, Militia, Syrus, Byfist and other local greats as well as international acts such as Crimson Glory, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Saxon, Accept, Metal Church, Savatage, Merciful Fate and Overkill to name a few.
Formed in 1992, the band was quickly accepted by the music scene as a very entertaining cover band playing numerous shows in the greater San Antonio area. Over the next ten years Ancient Cross would develop their own unique sound and material while consistently building their fan base along the way.
2002 Ancient Cross wins The PKP Battle Of The Bands in San Antonio. Now with even more drive the band begins to write all new material for what will soon be their very first self titled cd.
The next couple of years the band would go through some changes while still continuing to play local bars and events and while still continuing to write.
2004 Ancient Cross recruits seasoned vocalist Michael Lance. Within four months Ancient Cross was opening for the legendary Helstar and Mindcrime and headlining their own shows at various clubs such as Sam's Rock Club, The Roxx Room, Club Echoes, The Backroom, The Silver Bullet, Bond's 007, Bossman's Bar, Clown Alley, MW Annual B-Day Bash, Bandito Events, Graham Central Station Events, The River Road Ice House and more. The band was also featured on a local TV show "What It Takes" and has even been caught on video by "Robb's Metal Works" for future featuring.
2005, the year started out with a bang with Ancient Cross being chosen to support the 2005 Shadowkeep Texas Tour. The band also supported the HELSTAR/AGENT STEEL Steel tour in San Antonio. Also after 2 years of writing twelve new songs, the band headed into Monster Music Studio May 2005 to begin recording what will be their first self titled cd "Ancient Cross" due out 2007. With the cd almost complete, the band took the first 3 songs completed and put them on a rare demo for promotional use until the mastering and pressing of the full length cd is complete. The Demo has been getting great reviews by the European fans and Ezines. The demo can be obtained at one of their shows. In late 2005 Ancient Cross found themselves also sharing the stage with Austin's DRIFTER and BIG BALLS.
2006 the band was featured in HEAVY magazine where their song "The Queen Is Dead" has found a home on their collaboration cd METAL CRUSADE XII. Ancient Cross would perform this year with AXE, Reverend, Azrael's Bane, Ignitor and Drifter. Ancient Cross also performed at The Spinach Festival in Crystal City opening the show for Grammy Award Winner "La Mafia".
2007 The band has already opened for AXE and RIOT and The James Rivera band. CD due out this year.
Ancient Cross has caught the eye of the music industry who had to say:
~Love the band---you guys rock!! (Midnight of Crimson Glory)
~Michael,..just wanted to say that it was a pleasure meeting you this past weekend. Thank you for the AC demo - it kicks ass!! I look forward to working with you & the band in 2005. (Robb Chavez of Robb's Metal Works)
~Ancient Cross is one of the few metal bands I've actually enjoyed in a while. A heavy traditional edge always keeps my attention...Good luck and keep it up guys. (Gilbert "Buster" Grant of Wyzard)~
~ Hey Guy's, looking forward to hearing the new album. Myself and Chris wish you all the best with that. Maybe we can tour next year? Thanks again for making us feel welcomed at your studio. Later! (Nicki and Chris of Shadowkeep)~
~Just listened to HOURGLASS. VERY VERY GOOD guys, haunting verses and loads of power. Really liked it! (Richie Wicks of Shadowkeep. Tygers Of Pantang, Angel Witch)
Hello from Brazil and thanks for your friendship ! I wish you good luck !tell all your friends about syren band . , thanx for your support, I hope we can visit your city and play and drink with you, as soon as possible ! You are a great metal fan, like me..lol HAVE A GREAT METAL YEAR..
“In live performance, Kimberly Freeman of One Eyed Doll, combines the rock-star bravado of a Jack White(or Jack Black) with the visual impact of a Japanese Anime…. A super heroine that’s alternately fierce, outrageous, vulnerable and sweet. Dressed like a punk metal baby doll, she punctuates here raging guitar work with a three foot mane of hair she whips and flails about rhythmically, mesmerizing the audience with displays of physical agility that literally burst the confines of the stage. And similar to the White Stripes or Black Keys, she is accompanied by a lone drummer… If you haven’t seen them, what are you waiting for?!” -INSITE MAGAZINE
