Local Musicians The Bards Head To Space With New Album

Annapolis-area band The Bards are trading the pub for outer space with a third studio album, “Welcome to the Universe,” set for release on November 17.

Following the folk-rock sound of their sophomore album, “Tales from the Swindling Serpent,” the local musicians are taking their music in a new direction with an album that blends synth rock and metal with sweeping orchestral compositions and cosmic themes.

“This is an album about humanity’s place in the cosmos,” said vocalist and violinist John Bachkosky, a Severna Park High School graduate. “It’s about the impact of those who came before and the importance of stewardship from those looking to the future.”

The new album also introduces flute to The Bards’ sound, played by keyboardist Alyssa McKinney, who joined the group in early 2025.

“With this record, we wanted to tell epic, emotional stories on a cosmic scale, all while ensuring every element was painstakingly crafted by, for and about humans,” said vocalist and guitarist Kevin Strasser, also a Severna Park High School graduate. “The title of the penultimate track sums it up best: ‘Fire and Ice.’ This album is all about finding warmth and love and purpose in a universe that can seem cold, indifferent, impossibly immense and even cruel.”

“Welcome to the Universe” is the third studio album from The Bards, an independent band that releases its music through its own studio label, Shady Side Records. Strasser serves as the recording specialist, engineer and producer for the band’s music. Anthony Celli created the album’s cover art. The Bards plan to launch a tour in support of the album in 2027.

For more information about upcoming performances and the band’s releases, visit www.thebardsband.com.