ANA – Motivated By Death

ANA
Motivated By Death
Label: Eclipse Records
Out: 29^th May 2026
Playing time: 34:41

Melbourne has long been a crucible for heavy music innovation, but ANA is currently redefining the aesthetic boundaries of the genre.

You could already hear that on the EP ‘The Art Of Letting Go’. Shortly afterwards, I had the opportunity to interview singer Anna Hhristenko and guitarist Josh Mak. At the time, I described the EP as a success. So, naturally, I was looking forward to the debut album, now titled ‘Motivated By Death’, which is also being released under the Eclipse Records banner.

‘Hate Me’ begins with a brief intro – bells, guitars, strings. But this lasts only about half a minute, then the drums kick in and drive the guitar forward. Anna Hristenko’s vocals sound slightly distorted at first. But soon enough, you can admire her vocal prowess. Meanwhile, the synths in the background create a bit of a frantic atmosphere. This spills over slightly into the guitar solo. At the start of ‘Shadow Of Life’, there are a few spoken words. But soon the vocal harmonies create a catchy Rock song. The rhythmic drums set the rhythm. “Following The Wind” opens with a powerful bass line. The vocals and instrumental accompaniment sound a little rushed. The synths contribute to this as well. The chorus is then more catchy. “You Loved Me More Than I Love Myself” is a quiet power ballad featuring Anna’s beguiling vocals. Calm drums, solemn riffs, strings and acoustic guitars create a contemplative atmosphere. On ‘Eyes Of A Child’, ANA set a fast pace. Drummer Andres Felipe Martinez Osorio, in particular, drives his bandmates on. ‘Sick Love’ is a very contemplative ballad. Anna is accompanied only by electric piano and strings. It is only towards the end that the rhythm section kicks in. The absolute calm point of the album. A metronome, a gong – that’s how “Papa” begins. What we then hear is a grand Metal anthem. But not throughout. Towards the end, Anna Hristenko sings in a frantic, dissonant style. This is then replaced by a powerful guitar solo and a melodic chorus.  The album ends with the System of a Down cover “Aerials” (from their second studio album “Toxicity”, 2001). Whilst the wind effects at the start have been omitted, the cover otherwise captures the original well. The vocals and guitars sound slightly heavier in places.

“Motivated By Death” certainly features Symphonic Power Metal. But ANA push the boundaries of the genre very far. As on the EP, they avoid excessive bombast. And there are various passages that come across as decidedly disharmonious. This is clearly evident even in the two ballads. The songwriting is consequently varied and full of surprises. If I had to pigeonhole the album, I would use the monstrous term ‘Symphonic Alternative Power Metal’.

ANA – Hate Me: https://youtu.be/I5exBdSLQ2s?si=fnDVRlgvRkw-JZqN

Lineup:

Anna Hristenko – Vocals
Josh Mak – Guitar
Cody Lamb – Bass
Mark Shi – Keys
Andres Felipe Martinez Osorio – Drums

Track list:

• Hate Me
• Shadow Of Life
• Following The Wind
• You Loved Me More Than I Love Myself
• Eyes Of A Child
• Sick Love
• Papa
• Aerials (System of A Down cover):