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Photo courtesy of Eclipse Records

Australian Symphonic metal band ANA returned last week with the release of their first LP “Motivated by Death” via Eclipse Records.

The release comes after the success of 2023’s first EP The Art of Letting Go, which was critically acclaimed. The eight songs look at the human experience through strong pop sensibilities, heavy guitars, and haunting sounds.

Formed in 2023, the band calls themselves a “Couture rock” group. Their members include lead vocalist Anna Khristenko, guitarist Josh Mak, bassist Cody Lamb, drummer Andres Felipe Martinez Osorio, and keyboardist Mark Shi. They present themselves as masked “Super humans” as part of a comic series they created, published through Cynation Comics. Their performances and songs are inspired by this series, similar to Coheed and Cambria.

Now, let’s focus on their album Motivated by Death. This album was produced by Mak and Khristenko, with engineering by Chris Themelco (known for work with Harlott, Aerith, In Malice’s Wake, Orpheus Omega). The eight songs explore deep ideas about the human experience. If that interests you, the music features dark, atmospheric sounds and strong guitar riffs, blending with Khristenko’s beautiful vocals that mesmerise listeners right from the start.

The album begins with the energetic song “Hate Me,” a metal track aimed at the music industry. It features strong vocal melodies, catchy electronic sounds, and sharp guitar riffs, sharing feelings of anger and disappointment. Following that is “Shadow of Life,” which is lighter than the previous song but still has memorable tunes.

“Following the Wind,” where Krhistenko showcases her singing with a powerful guitar. It includes serious tracks like the dark, orchestral “You Loved Me More Than Myself” and the emotional “Papa,” which is a Posthumous letter to her late father. The music is impactful, with a gothic orchestra and Krhistenko’s intimate performance. The album dives into human psychology with vibrant songs, while some tracks are more personal and melancholic.

The album wraps up with stark cover of “Aerials” by System of a Down. Overall, I enjoyed this first full length by ANA. I remember ravishing praise on on my podcast, shortly after the release of their debut EP. I earmarked them as a band with potential, and “Motivated by Death” backs up my initial thoughts. They bring something different to the symphonic metal genre, with intricate symphonic patterns, dynamic vocals, and accessible songs.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORMER WAYNE STATIC MANAGER ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF MATT ZANE’S UNAUTHORIZED WAYNE STATIC DOCUMENTARY
Former Wayne Static manager Lyndsi Hellard has issued a public statement regarding filmmaker Matt Zane’s unauthorized documentary project focused on the late Wayne Static and Tera Wray Static.
Hellard, who previously managed Wayne Static Tours LLC during the final chapter of Wayne’s career, says the project reflects wishes she understood were clearly expressed by both Wayne and Tera prior to their passing.
“This statement is provided to clarify my knowledge and to support the fulfillment of Wayne and Tera’s clearly expressed wishes to tell their story,” Hellard said.
She further explained her role working closely with both Wayne Static and Tera Wray Static during that period.
“For a period of time before Wayne’s last tour, I had the honor and responsibility of managing Wayne Static Tours LLC and working closely with both Wayne and his wife, Tera Wray Static.
During that time, Wayne and Tera were clear and committed about their desire to have a documentary created that would accurately reflect their lives, their relationship, and their experiences surrounding the evolution and dissolution of Wayne Static’s time in Static-X and his collaboration with Tony Campos.
This was not a vague or fleeting idea. Wayne spoke about it often and in detail, and had discussed plans to produce it with his wife’s close friend, Matt Zane.”
Hellard also addressed the broader context surrounding the band’s legacy and the complicated dynamics in the years leading up to Wayne’s passing.
“Since their passing, the estate and band name have been handled by separate parties, none of whom were actively involved in Wayne or Tera’s lives or careers in the years prior to their deaths,” Hellard continued.
“From my perspective, Wayne’s inability to tour or perform under the Static-X name during that time played a significant role in his desire to tell his story in a documentary format.
At the same time, I understand there were ongoing business and personal decisions within the band that contributed to those circumstances. It is a complex history with multiple perspectives.”
Hellard emphasized that while tensions existed, she is not speaking from a place of personal hostility.
“I respect Tony Campos and understand that every artist makes decisions based on their own circumstances and relationships,” she said. “There was a great deal of tension during that period, including around Tera’s involvement in performances, which has been publicly discussed in various contexts.
It is important to approach Wayne’s legacy with honesty and respect, and to recognize the complicated reality of those years.”
Hellard also commented on Wayne Static’s relationship with family members, noting it was a difficult subject during his lifetime.
“There were also strained relationships within Wayne’s family, which he openly struggled with at different points in his career,” she said.
In closing, Hellard reaffirmed her belief that Wayne and Tera wanted their story documented.
“Based on my experience and conversations with both Wayne and Tera, I believe they did want their story told.
Honoring their wishes is, in my view, the most respectful way to recognize Wayne’s legacy and the impact he had on fans and music as the voice behind Evil Disco.
This story belongs to Wayne and Tera, and it deserves to be heard as authentically as possible.”
Also check out this recent interview:

  Follow Matt Zane for more:

https://www.instagram.com/lordzane/
https://www.facebook.com/MrZaneRising

Last month, Bright Eyes announced a collaboration with Woodstock (the official cannabis brand of the 1969 Woodstock Festival) for limited edition pre-rolls. The band is currently celebrating 21 years of I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning and Digital Ash In A Digital Urn with an anniversary tour, so the product includes .5g sativa pre-rolls for Wide Awake and two .5g indica pre-rolls for Digital Ash. Naturally, we had our Cannabis Correspondent Rachel Brown investigate the situation.

The post We Reviewed The New Bright Eyes x Woodstock Pre-Rolls appeared first on Stereogum.

Chicago and Minneapolis were the heralded Midwest cities when it came to noise rock in the ’80s and ’90s, but Decibel Hall of Fame inductees Die Kreuzen repped for nearby Milwaukee, which had its own fertile punk and post-hardcore scene. In that fine tradition, the Brew City offers up power trio Primitive Broadcast Service whose third album, Monsters, we’re streaming here. The six-tracker was recorded at the late Steve Albini’s Electrical Audio, which is noted for its excellent drum acoustics. It’s a perfect fit for PBS—J.D. Morgan (guitar/vocals), Andy Steffenhagen (bass), Bryan Dorn (drums)—who accentuate the rhythm section on Monsters and adorn it with Morgan’s skronky, trebly guitar (reminiscent of Albini’s own tension-laden style) and distorted, impassioned vocals. You can hear shades of Shellac and Unsane in the band’s tribal, repetitive rhythms and low-end explorations.

Monsters was produced by Primitive Broadcast Service and Vin Smith. Recording was done at Electrical Audio by Shane Hochstetler and Jon San Paolo. Additional recording, engineering and mixing was performed by Vin Smith at Wreckage Industries. Tad Doyle (of Tad fame) did the mastering at Witch Ape Studio/Skyway Audio. It’s set for release on vinyl and digitally on June 4 via Seismic Wave Entertainment Records. Place your preorder here.

Morgan gave us the lowdown on how the songs on Monsters came together:

The post Full Album Stream: Primitive Broadcast Service –<em>Monsters</em> appeared first on Decibel Magazine.

Swedish rockers Europe have released “The Cult Of Ignorance”, the second preview track off their forthcoming studio record Come This Madness, due on September 25 via Silver Lining Music.
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Psychedelic doomsters Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats will be touring North America in September and October. Italian quartet Messa will be joining them on the road as main support.
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We picked 16 of the original He-Man action figures from the '80s with the most unique features, accessories, and names. Continue reading…

New York-based Cro-Mags are back with their first new song in six years. Check out an official music video for the “Wired For Chaos” single below. It was produced by Harley Flanagan and Arthur Rizk.
Read more…

Last year, it was announced that Disney World in Orlando was removing Aerosmith from their Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in order to usher in a Muppets-themed era. Now, it’s finally happened, and Dr. Teeth And The Electric Mayhem are out here covering Blur at the amusement park.

The post Disney World Has Officially Replaced Aerosmith With Muppets Covering Blur appeared first on Stereogum.

“The undead are irresistible: DOMINUM infect their listeners with the zombie virus again through hooks and hits! Night is Calling is as contagious as can be!” – Metal Hammer (DE) “A painting made of chords and pure soundscapes carries listeners off intoa world of dark fantasy.” – Rock It! (DE) Rising modern metal stars DOMINUM expand their catalogue with a new catchy hymn: “Dark […]

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