The fantasy-driven project CHRONICLER OF ARDUL unveils its latest single, “Zarek the Bloody,” offering listeners their first glimpse into the evolving sound and storytelling of the upcoming album Sounds of Ardul, set for release April 10, 2026.
Framed as one final bard’s song, “Zarek the Bloody” explores the blurred line between legend and truth. In the world of Ardul, bards carry the responsibility of immortalizing heroes and villains alike, singing of their triumphs, their infamy, and the complicated truths that lie somewhere in between. Zarek is one such figure, a renowned and widely traveled warrior whose reputation precedes him wherever the songs are sung.
Driven by accordion, bass, percussion, and vocals by David Williams, the track presents Zarek as both myth and man. The verses paint him as a heroic wanderer worthy of praise, while the choruses suggest something more ambiguous beneath the legend. Like many figures etched into history through song, Zarek’s story may depend on who is telling it, or perhaps who commissioned it to be told.
The composition began its life on guitar before evolving into its final arrangement built around accordion, giving the piece a brooding folk character reminiscent of the opening theme from the television series Peaky Blinders. As the song developed, its lyrics shifted and reshaped until the narrative and melody aligned, revealing a layered portrait of a character whose true nature remains open to interpretation.
Zarek himself plays a role in the creator’s larger fantasy trilogy, and “Zarek the Bloody” offers an early glimpse of the character’s presence within that story. The song hints at the deeds that built his legend and raises new questions. Is the feared warrior truly the hero the verses celebrate? And what of the cursed blade whispered about in taverns and camps alike? Could Zarek possess the legendary Sword of Virné?
The single arrives ahead of Sounds of Ardul, the third release from CHRONICLER OF ARDUL. The album represents a new creative direction for the project, leaving behind metal elements in favor of orchestral and fantasy-focused compositions.
In wide brush strokes, Sounds of Ardul paints the emotional landscape of its world. From the dark beauty of the Woodlands to the lurking depths of the Underground, from heroic calls to arms to uneasy encounters with figures whose true nature remains hidden. The album plays like a video game soundtrack set within a classic fantasy setting, built for immersion and storytelling.
And like many great adventures, it all begins in a tavern, with bards singing songs.
“Zarek the Bloody” is available now. Sounds of Ardul arrives April 10, 2026.
About CHRONICLER OF ARDUL:
CHRONICLER OF ARDUL was started as a passion project by David Williams when he wanted to combine his love of metal music and dark fantasy to tell a story that spanned over songs and albums. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, he puts his skills to the test to create the music for a story he had been working on for 9 years. The debut EP called Myrewood released late 2023, with its written short story partner, Myrewood Part 1, published in May 2024. The following EP, Sword Of Virné arrived in the summer of 2024. Musically, CHRONICLER OF ARDUL draws from the likes of SHADOW OF INTENT and MENTAL CRUELTY in the metal world, while also taking inspiration from Japanese composer Nobuo Uematsu.
CHRONICLER OF ARDUL IS:
David Williams – Music and Lyrics
Links:
Website: https://chroniclerofardul.com/
Bandcamp: https://chroniclerofardul.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chronicler_of_ardul/
Tracklisting:
- “Watch Over Me (feat. EXILED HOPE)”
- “Watch Over Me (Village Version)”
- “You’re Gone (feat. SYYN)”
- “Oh Me Oh My”
- “Woodlands”
- “Woodlands (Alternate Version)”
- “Woodlands (Battle Theme)”
- “In the Mists of the Myrewood (Remastered)”
- “Veiled Truth”
- “Unwelcomed Guests”
- “To Arms! (String Quintet)”
- “Temporary Respite”
- “Moments From Disaster”
- “Underground”
- “Underground (Alternate Version)”
- “To Arms!”
- “Zarek the Bloody”