Anthea – Beyond The Dawn

Anthea
Beyond The Dawn
Label: Rockshots Records
Out: 17^th April 2026
Playing time: 45:11

Anthea is a Symphonic Metal band from Los Angeles (California). The musicians have made a name for themselves with their distinctive, theatrical sound, which they have been showcasing since 2015. In doing so, they “masterfully blend elements of Progressive, Power and Thrash Metal with a grandiose, cinematic touch”. At least, that is what the press release states. The band draws inspiration from acts such as Nightwish, Kamelot and Wintersun, as well as renowned composers like Hans Zimmer, John Williams and Danny Elfman. Their self-titled EP in 2017 was followed by their debut album ‘Illusion’ (2020) and ‘Tales Untold’ (2022). Their third studio album, ‘Beyond The Dawn’, is set for release in April.

The title track ‘Beyond The Dawn’ opens the album with synth sounds. Shortly afterwards, epic bombast blasts from the speakers. In the background, you can hear ‘The Sirens’ before guitarist Juan Pina lets out his nasty growls. This is followed by the interplay of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Keyboardist Diego Valadez provides the clean vocals. ‘Phantom In The Masquerade’ starts quietly with strings. But here too, the cinematic sound is not long in coming. The clean vocals are initially slightly distorted. The growls remain discreetly in the background. The pattern of an orchestral introduction followed by heavier sounds is also maintained in “The Lost Soul”. However, this song is calmer for long stretches, even if it is riff-driven in the middle section. Then there is a solo contest between synth and guitar. Piano and strings can be heard at the start of “Awakening (Song For Spring)”. Once again, a quiet song dominated by guitar riffs, with the Sirens’ vocals in the background. Actually, that pretty much covers the basic structure of the individual songs. But that by no means implies the music sounds monotonous. Whether it’s the growl-heavy “Bygone Age (Chicxulub)”, the driving drum-led “From Shadows To Light”, the epic instrumental “Crystal Moon” or the bombastic “Wanderer’s Quell” – the songwriting and arrangements are varied. The album also features a beautiful piano and string ballad, ‘Whispers Of The Heart’. The album concludes on a lively note with ‘Duality Of Gaia’ and the Tahnee Caine and Tryanglz cover of ‘Burnin’ In The Third Degree’ (a track from the ‘Terminator’ soundtrack).

What you hear on ‘Beyond The Dawn’ isn’t really new. There are plenty of albums like this one. Nevertheless, Anthea manage to retain a certain degree of authenticity. The interplay between male clean vocals and evil growls works well. And the guitarists consistently impress with their solos. The drums and bass provide a solid rhythmic foundation. And ‘The Sirens’ enhance the sound with their backing vocals.

Anthea – Phantom In The Masquerade: https://youtu.be/hMxhW6gWY3g?si=N5w6G1475ozYbHdj

Lineup:

Diego Valadez – Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Juan Pina – Rhythm Guitars, Harsh Vocals
Marcos Mejia – Lead Guitars
Gabby Hawk – Bass
Peter Vasquez – Drums

The Sirens (Mel Del Real, Astrid Anaya) – Backing Vocals

Track list:

• Beyond The Dawn
• Phantom In The Masquerade
• The Lost Soul
• Awakening (Song for Spring)
• Bygone Age (Chicxulub)
• From Shadows To Light
• Crystal Moon
• Wanderer’s Quell
• Whispers Of The Heart
• Duality Of Gaia
• Burnin’ In The Third Degree (Tahnee Caine and Tryanglz cover)