CHRONICLER OF ARDUL, the dark fantasy symphonic death metal project composed and produced by David Williams, presents a new single titled “Watch Over Me.” This song departs from the heavier sonic palette of earlier releases, shifting toward a stripped-down, folk-rooted sound shaped by the world it inhabits.
The track is written from the perspective of travelers in Ardul, where moving between places carries real risk. It speaks from within that moment of vulnerability, not as a theatrical gesture, but as part of everyday life in a world shaped by danger and isolation. The song is not bleak. It reaches upward, asking unseen forces for protection, and gives voice to those hoping to make it home.
“‘Watch Over Me’ is tavern folk song about what it's like being on the road, especially those not prepared for the dangers that lurk in the shadows all around. But it's not a dark song, it's a hopeful song that begs the gods to make sure they are safe and can make it back home.
In Ardul traveling the roads is not taken lightly, but can be a necessary task to overcome. And along side the stories of Myrewood and Sword of Virné, ‘Watch Over Me’ helps tell what life is like in this harsh world.
It was an amazing collaboration to work with Sofia Frasz, most known for her work in Exiled Hope. We had talked before and wanted to combine our bardic powers, and it was a pleasure to finally start working with her.” – David Williams
The recording features Sofia Frasz, vocalist and composer behind EXILED HOPE. Her performance carries the song’s core emotion with clarity and restraint, and adds a distinct perspective to the growing body of work set in Ardul.
“Watch Over Me” expands the narrative established through Myrewood and Sword of Virné, offering a look at the people who move between those stories. It adds depth to the worldbuilding while remaining musically intimate.
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/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidwmusic
