Melbourne’s heavy music scene is currently witnessing the rise of a new force that challenges the usual boundaries of the symphonic metal genre. ANA, a quintet known for their “couture metal” aesthetic, is prepared to release their debut full length album titled Motivated by Death on May 29, 2026, through Eclipse Records.
While many symphonic metal acts lean into fantasy tropes, ANA focuses on a sophisticated evolution of the craft. Led by vocalist Anna Khristenko, the band members perform as masked super-humans. This visual identity is captured on the album cover by acclaimed Australian photographer Peter Coulson, bridging the gap between high fashion and the visceral intensity of hard rock. Produced by the creative duo of Josh Mak and Khristenko, the record finds a balance between orchestral grandeur and sonic precision. The album was recorded at Monolith Studios and engineered by Chris Themelco, who is well known for his work with bands like Harlott and Orpheus Omega.
The track list opens with “Hate Me”, a defiant anthem exploring the thin line between passion and animosity. The song suggests that the true opposite of love is indifference rather than hate. It serves as a declaration of resilience, showing that while vitriol often follows success, it only fuels the band’s drive. The heart of the record is found in “Shadow of Life”. Despite the title of the album, the band does not dwell on morbidity. Instead, the song treats death as a vital shadow that gives life its shape. It is a reminder to embrace the impermanence of existence as a catalyst for creativity. This celebration of the present moment elevates the record into a deep exploration of the human condition. The emotional peak of the album arrives with “Papa”. This is the most vulnerable work Khristenko has produced, functioning as a posthumous letter to a father lost to alcoholism during her childhood. It is a hauntingly intimate piece that proves the band can pivot from stadium-level power to raw sincerity. Alongside tracks like “Sick Love” and “Following the Wind”, the album includes a bold cover of System of a Down’s classic song “Aerials”. ANA infuses the track with their signature symphonic weight, creating a finale that feels entirely original.
Fans of Nightwish and Evanescence will find plenty to love here, but ANA maintains a distinct edge. By integrating a multimedia universe that includes an official comic book series, alongside a feature film documentary entitled “Watch Me As I Rise”, they have created an experience that goes beyond just the music. Motivated by Death is an invitation to see the birth of a new era in Australian heavy music.
