Aphazel later moved to the United States where he met Lord Kaiaphas of Virginia-based black metal band Grand Belial's Key, who soon became the new vocalist and drummer of Ancient.

A new tour followed, including the band's first concerts in Scandinavia, and in 2000, Ancient played at Wacken Open Air main stage with the new drummer GroM who joined in May 2000.

A compilation EP, God Loves the Dead, was released in January 2001, featuring some remixes, a new single and a cover of Iron Maiden's 'Powerslave' song.

Ancient then proceeded to move closer to their classic black metal origins, although more technical and polished, and began the writing of a new album as a 4-piece without female vocals.

writing in NJ (USA); the album was recorded at Studio Fredman and mixed by Swedish producer Fredrik Nordström.

Following the release, the band embarked on another European tour called "A Night VisiTour" in 2005, with Illdisposed as co-headliners and Final Breath as support.

Aphazel and Deadly Kristin released an album with their side-project called 'Dreamlike Horror', for Greek label Sleaszy Rider Records in June 2005.

For the 25th anniversary, Ancient toured Europe with the lineup Zel, guitarist Ghiulz (Death SS/Bulldozer), bassist Dhilorz and drummer Volkun (Morost/Sovrag).

In December 2022 former drummer Grimm made a guest appearance on the concerts in the Netherlands[3] and Belgium, joining to perform vocals on two songs (Eerily Howling Winds and Likferd).