Ampicore proudly unveil the next cinematic pieces of their sweeping concept album, March Up Country, released via Wormholedeath. The band now presents the lyric video for Kurdishland and for Coming to Armenia—songs six and seven in their rock opera odyssey, based on one of history’s most harrowing survival marches.

“Kurdishland” (Lyric Video)

The relentless sun beats down as weary soldiers battle their way through mountains, rivers, and the unforgiving terrain of the Kurdish lands. This chapter embodies both grit and grandeur, marked by intense instrumentals and evocative storytelling.

“Coming to Armenia” (Lyric Video)

As hope dwindles, Coming to Armenia plunges the listener into the brutal winter winds of Armenia, where ice and despair take hold. The track captures a moment of near-collapse, yet flickers of resilience remain.

About the Album: March Up Country – The Rock Opera

Ampicore’s bold and ambitious concept album traces the perilous journey of Xenophon’s Ten Thousand—a band of Greek mercenaries stranded behind enemy lines in 401 B.C. Facing betrayal, hunger, and merciless terrain, March Up Country transforms ancient history into a cinematic, guitar-driven epic of survival and the human spirit.

Stream the Full Album Now: https://orcd.co/marchupcountry

Follow Ampicore’s Journey
www.youtube.com/@Ampicore
marchupcountry.com
x.com/FredericofFrees
ampicore.bandcamp.com/album/march-up-country-the-rock-opera

AMPICORE have released two new lyric videos for ‘We Need Xenophon’ & ‘Stouter Hearts’.

We Need Xenophon (Lyric Video)

• Song #4 of the epic album March Up Country – The Rock Opera.
• Story: The Greek soldiers turn to one of their own, Xenophon, to lead them back to Hellas.

Stouter Hearts (Lyric Video)

• Song #5 of the epic album March Up Country – The Rock Opera.
• Story: Xenophon tries to inspire his men to commence their years-long journey home.

Stream “March Up Country”: orcd.co/marchupcountry

Ampicore:
www.youtube.com/@Ampicore
marchupcountry.com
x.com/FredericofFrees

AMPICORE continue their epic musical journey with the release of the official lyric video for “The Death of Cyrus,” the third track from their album March Up Country – The Rock Opera.

“The Death of Cyrus” brings listeners into the chaos of battle and the aftermath of Cyrus the Younger’s death. Left stranded in Persia, the soldiers must reckon with their fate and the uncertainty of what comes next. The track highlights Ampicore’s masterful blend of hard rock, metal, and epic storytelling, immersing the audience in the dramatic downfall of one of history’s most ambitious figures.

Credits for this track:
Music and lyrics by Frederic Frees (additional music by Charlie Griffith)
Vocals: Eric Castiglia, Rob Lundgren
Rhythm Guitars: Mauricio Mirapalheta, Charlie Griffith
Drums: Maikon Queiroz
Bass and Lead guitar: Miguel Esparzapro

Written by Frederic Frees and infused with the passion of history, March Up Country – The Rock Opera is shaping up to be a groundbreaking release that blends music with powerful narratives. From the rise of Cyrus to his tragic fall, the album explores the complexities of ambition, power, and fate.

March Up Country promises to captivate listeners with its dynamic compositions and emotionally charged performances from an exceptional cast of musicians.

“March Up Country” is available on all major digital platforms: orcd.co/marchupcountry

Follow Ampicore’s Journey
www.youtube.com/@Ampicore
marchupcountry.com
x.com/FredericofFrees
ampicore.bandcamp.com/album/march-up-country-the-rock-opera

Ampicore unveils the second chapter of March Up Country—The Rock Opera with “Hoplites and Barbarians,” a thunderous track that narrates the moment Persian satrap Cyrus the Younger enlists 10,000 Greek mercenaries to pursue imperial ambitions.

Hoplites and Barbarians” takes listeners on a journey back to ancient history, recounting the moment Persian satrap Cyrus the Younger recruits 10,000 Greek mercenaries to advance his imperial ambitions. The song delivers a potent blend of rock, metal, and cinematic storytelling, showcasing Ampicore’s unique style.

Credits
Music & Lyrics: Frederic Frees
Vocals: Jamie Jordan
Guitar: Mauricio Mirapalheta
Drums: Maikon Queiroz
Bass: Marco Toba
Lead Guitar: Miguel Esparzapro 

Check out the new version of the “The Broken Busts of Hermes” video: youtu.be/1z2Wd1i0O6c

With March Up Country – The Rock Opera, Frederic Frees brings his lifelong passion for music and history, creating a dynamic and introspective work that merges epic rock with deep historical themes.

The upcoming album features a powerful narrative, combining sweeping musical arrangements with compelling lyrics that tell the story of war, survival, and the intricacies of human ambition.

March Up Country – The Rock Opera is set to release soon via Wormholedeath.

Follow Ampicore’s Journey
www.youtube.com/@Ampicore
marchupcountry.com
x.com/FredericofFrees
ampicore.bandcamp.com/album/march-up-country-the-rock-opera

Wormholedeath Records proudly announces its latest signing: AMPICORE, a heavy metal revelation with a passion for history and storytelling. The project, spearheaded by multi-talented composer Frederic Frees, is set to release its ambitious concept album, March Up Country – The Rock Opera, on May 16, 2025.

This monumental work chronicles the real-life tale of Xenophon’s March of the Ten Thousand, a perilous journey of Greek mercenaries through hostile territory in 401 B.C. With sweeping melodies, blistering riffs, and heartfelt storytelling, the album fuses heavy metal with historical depth, delivering an unforgettable sonic experience.

“Signing with Wormholedeath is an overwhelming privilege for me. Carlo’s review of March Up Country – The Rock Opera was nothing short of inspirational. It was that same type of inspiration that motivated me to create the album in the first place. Fusing history with my favorite genre, Heavy Metal, was something I always wanted to do. I bow humbly in the shadow of the greats, especially Iron Maiden, whose footsteps I follow to March Up Country.” -Frederic Frees

An Epic Tale of Survival and Brotherhood

March Up Country – The Rock Opera takes listeners on an emotional and harrowing journey, detailing the highs and lows of Xenophon’s mercenaries. From the triumph of battle to the despair of isolation, this heavy metal opera captures the indomitable spirit of survival, camaraderie, and the relentless will to return home.

1. The Broken Busts of Hermes
2. Hoplites and Barbarians
3. The Death of Cyrus
4. We Need Xenophon
5. Stouter Hearts
6. Kurdishland
7. Coming to Armenia
8. No Ships Cheirisophos
9. Thrace
10. The Message that it Sends
11. March Up Country

Immerse yourself in the first epic chronicle through the lyric video for “The Broken Busts of Hermes”:

Ampicore unites an extraordinary lineup of vocalists and musicians to bring this historic narrative to life:

Singers: Rob Lundgren, Charlie Griffith, Mauro Elias, Jamie Jordan, Eric Castiglia
Guitarists: Mauricio Mirapalheta, Miguel Esparzapro, Vini Assis, Axe Japan, Skogarheim, Lucas Shred
Bass: Marco Toba, Miguel Esparzapro, Charlie Griffith, Mladen Jovanovic, Frederic Frees
Drums: Maikon Queiroz, Brian Henry, Chris Bouchard
Keyboards: Frederic Frees, Charlie Griffith
Bouzouki: Marlos Georglou

About Frederic Frees

Frederic Frees’ musical journey began at the age of 5 on the piano, evolving into a lifelong passion for bass guitar and composition. After decades of creating music and performing in rock bands during the 70s and 80s, Frederic took a break to explore other avenues, including a potential career as a history teacher. Thirty years later, his love for history and music merged to create March Up Country – The Rock Opera, a labor of passion that bridges his two great loves.

Follow Ampicore’s Journey
www.youtube.com/@Ampicore
marchupcountry.com
x.com/FredericofFrees
ampicore.bandcamp.com/album/march-up-country-the-rock-opera