Ann my Guard – Furia

Ann My Guard
Furia
Dutch Music Works
December 4, 2020
23:53

I met the band Ann My Guard two years ago at FemME in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. At that time they had two appearances, the release show for their third album “Moira” and on the final day an acoustic set. Two years later the successor “Furia” is published. I’m not sure if this is an album or an EP. Certainly the latter in terms of length, but the band calls it album. So, let’s leave it at that. Ann My Guard were founded in 2007 by singer and bassist Eszter Anna Baumann in Hungary. Probably several band members live in the Netherlands now. It is gratifying that there have been no changes in the lineup in recent years. This is by no means the rule with smaller bands. So, the musicians were able to work on “Furia” calmly, apart from the problems that the corona pandemic brings with it.

Less than a minute’s intro? I would have preferred another song instead. But these are difficult times, also and especially for musicians. Hence the dark sounding introduction “Eclipse”. The riffs on “Nyx” also sound dark. And the bass, played by the band’s namesake, does the rest. Vocally, however, Eszter Anna Baumann can convince as ever. A voice that captivates you. The title track “Furia” starts with industrial-like keyboards before bass and guitars start booming here too. But in between there are always gimmicks reminiscent of industrial to be heard without exaggerating them. “Child’s Play” sounds a bit hectic. But that’s how volatile children are when they play. “The Mourning” is a short, rhythmic and instrumental interlude. With a threatening atmosphere. On the other hand, “Aurora” sounds partly combative, but has many contemplative, melodic parts. With the aurora a new day is dawning. Will it be a better one too? As far as I know, “V0id” is the first single from the album. The video was published right at the beginning of the corona crisis. A simple production from the recording studio. Even then, the distance regulations were already being observed.

Furia is an allegory of of mourning, loneliness, anxiety and unhealed wounds, born in the first weeks of quarantine. 

You can tell that with this mini album at every nook and cranny. That is probably also the reason for the unusual brevity. Despite everything, Ann My Guard show that they belong to the best alternative metal bands in their home country, maybe even in Europe. Not much has changed in terms of their gloomy musical alignment, which you could already hear on the predecessor. You are a little darker, a little more angry than before. It’s nice that even smaller bands distract their fans from everyday problems with good music in these times.

Ann my Guard – Furia: https://youtu.be/l1ShxpCXzzg

Lineup:

Eszter Anna Baumann – Vocals, Bass
Krisztián Varga – Guitars
Benjamin Barkanyi – Guitars
Norbert Tobola – Drums

Track list:

• Eclipse
• Nyx
• Furia
• Child’s Play
• The Mourning
• Aurora
• V0id