Ancient at Birth was founded by theory students Eli Vogt and Devin Reiche out of what was perceived as the need to save metal from the mediocrity of genre-specifications, to utilize the vast amount of as-of-yet untouched thematic materials and create music that was both intelligent and carnal. Guitar team Kurt Launer and Edward Fullmer and vocalist David Aceves completed the line-up in late 2005. Ancient at Birth derives influences from all across the metal spectrum and beyond, blending the measured, brutal riffs of The Haunted, the adventurous structure and functional harmony of Blind Guardian, the unforgiving technicality of Necrophagist and Meshuggah, and the melodic wealth of composers from Mozart to Liszt for a sound that is unique and heavy. Lyrically, the band deals with topics ranging from the myths of the ancient Eddas to the psychology of victims of genocide to a re-telling of Dostoyevskys misanthropic Notes From Underground. With their dynamic set, including a blistering metal arrangement of Beethovens Appassionata piano sonata, Ancient at Birth is prepared to take on audiences everywhere in 2006.