The Bards
Largely formed out of the glorious geekdom that is Baltimore Maryland's fantasy and tabletop gaming scene, Bardic Compass is the brainchild of Lead Vocalist Carl Hengen and Sound Engineer Artem Bank.
After first meeting in music production circles, and after co-creating/playing in a handful of roleplaying game circles together, the two decided to combine their creative forces towards a new progressive rock project.
After all, if time-honored stories of heroism, discovery, and beauty could be so improved by the introduction of fantasy, why could the same not be true of music? Inspired mostly by the detailed and powerful stylings of progressive rock bands like Coheed and Cambria, Tool, and others, Artem and Carl set off to create a sound that is altogether imaginatively intricate but excitingly approachable, much like the games and comics that draw them together.
With condensed direction and purpose, the group have since linked up with local psychedelic and progressive rock drummer David Wilson (ex: Greasy Hands, Spencer Joyce, Front Royal), and up-and-coming lead guitarist from Texas, Damian Silvas to bring their live show campaign to the East Coast rock circuits and beyond.
Our Team
Honorary Bards
These bards have joined us on stage or in the studio to help us make some brilliant music, and we just want to showcase all of their talent!
Karma Houdini
Kojo makes original music and covers under the name Karma Houdini, and is also known for his work as the lead guitarist for the band Master Sword.
Traveling Bassist
Ansh has performed with Bardic Compass as a touring bassist.
Webbing Saxophonist
Dan recorded a brilliant saxophone solo for our Spider-Man themed song.