#BreakingNews — SANTA CORA Releases New Single & Music Video “Ancient Road” Featuring Fans and A Lyrical Choir
Brazilian Modern/Symphonic Metal band Santa Cora has unveiled their brand-new single and music video, “Ancient Road,” marking the first chapter of the grand narrative behind their upcoming second studio album. Following the overwhelming success of their debut — widely praised as one of the standout metal releases of 2024 — the band now presents a conceptual prologue that deepens the journey of their central character, Cora, first introduced in Elementum.
“Ancient Road” represents a new creative phase for the group, blending maturity, emotional intensity, and an expanded sound. Serving as both a warning and a calling, the song challenges listeners — as well as the protagonist, Cora — to face the treacherous path ahead with courage, despite looming danger and uncertainty.
Founded in 2022, Santa Cora merges elements of Modern Metal, Progressive Rock, Melodic Metal, Brazilian rhythms, and Classical Music into a powerful and expansive sonic identity. The band quickly drew national attention even before their debut album, achieving semifinalist status in Rock Fun Fest and earning multiple “Best of the Year” awards. They have since shared stages with notable acts such as the Mariutti Brothers, Angra, Kiko Loureiro, Dave Evans, and Bruno Sutter, and have become a strong presence in Brazil’s contemporary metal scene.
The current lineup features Carolina Corteze (vocals), João Michelin (guitar and acoustic guitar), Desirée Nóbrega (bass), César Bolfarini dos Santos (keyboards/backing vocals), and Yago Cefaly (drums).
Speaking about the single, vocalist Carolina Corteze explains the message behind “Ancient Road”:
“The inspiration came as a warning of danger — but not one that tells you to turn back. Instead, it challenges you to proceed, if you have the courage. Life is full of these moments: the future looks uncertain, but we cannot stay still. We must move forward, even through deserts and cliffs of fear. In the story, the skull on the sign warns Cora of the scale of what awaits her, hinting that the fate of many rests in her hands… so she must choose wisely.”
Visually, the single embraces a desert/dystopian aesthetic inspired by works such as the Mad Max saga. This concept shapes the cover art, costumes, photography, and music video, all intentionally crafted to contrast with the main theme of the upcoming album — which will be revealed gradually as more chapters unfold.
A major highlight of the release is the participation of the lyrical choir Santo Coro, composed of professional singers, friends, and family, arranged for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices. Additionally, the Coro de Brados — formed by fans and supporters who backed the album’s campaign — appears prominently in the track.
“Ancient Road” was composed by João Michelin and Carolina Corteze, featuring choral arrangements by César Bolfarini, production by João Michelin, artistic direction by Carolina Corteze, and mixing/mastering by Gabriel do Vale. Cover art was created by Carlos Fides, with promotional photography by Claudio Frateschi.
The music video, filmed at Instituto SEB – A Fábrica, was produced by Alexandre Galante (Ocdy Filmes), featuring artistic production, script, costume, and set design by Carolina Corteze, with on-set assistance by Guilherme Bolfarini and João Francisco Corteze.
The choir was conducted by César Bolfarini and recorded at Nova Digital Estúdio, with a full roster of talented sopranos, altos, tenors, and bass/baritones contributing to the powerful vocal texture.
The Coro de Brados includes both supporters and band members themselves, reflecting the collaborative spirit behind the project.
The teaser released beforehand — recorded at CIA Minaz — further expanded the narrative world, featuring an original soundtrack by César Bolfarini, audiovisual production by Alexandre Galante, artistic design by Carolina Corteze, and a performance by Andrei Frateschi as the Mysterious Herald.
With “Ancient Road,” Santa Cora opens a new era of storytelling, ambition, and sonic grandeur — setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most intriguing metal releases of the coming year.
Contacts:
IG: https://instagram.com/santacoraofficial
Link: https://linktr.ee/santacoraofficial
PR Agency: Hell Yeah Music | @hellyeah_music | www.hellyeahmusic.com