Hailing from Australia and pushing the boundaries of symphonic modern metal, ANA is back with their most intense work to date. With their new single Motivated by Death and the stunning visual experience of Shadow of Life, they invite us into a world of light and darkness. Today, at Sound Stories by Jo and metalwar.gr, we discuss the philosophy, the art, and the cinematic future of ANA.
12+1 questions
Jo: Welcome to Sound Stories by Jo and Metal War! Anna, it is a true pleasure to have you and the band with us. First of all, thank you for sharing your art. Your upcoming full-length album, Motivated by Death (out May 29th via Eclipse Records), sounds incredibly powerful. How would you describe the rebirth of ANA through this specific record?
Anna: Hi Jo thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Motivated by Death is an album that truly represents who we are as a band. We wrote it very quickly almost immediately after our Japan tour last year. Every member has poured all of themselves into this album and we’re very proud of what we’ve produced.
Jo: Your new music video for Shadow of Life is a cinematic experience with a distinct 90s Matrix-inspired aesthetic. How does this high-fashion, couture metal visual storytelling complement the lyrical themes of the song?
Anna: I’ve always loved fashion and getting dressed up for videos and stage is something we all enjoy. Matrix was one of the most iconic films for us growing up and Keanu Reeves is one of my favourite actors. Costuming is just another way for each of us to express our individual styles and influences.
Jo: Despite the title, you’ve mentioned that the band doesn’t dwell on morbidity, but rather treats death as a vital shadow that gives life its shape. How does this philosophy influence your daily creativity?
Anna: By constantly being aware of death helps us stay motivated and prevents us from resting on our laurels. We don’t really take breaks because creating the various aspects of the band are our greatest joy in life.
Jo: Anna, your vocal range anchors the band’s atmospheric depth. How do you tap into the deep emotions required for tracks like Papa—which is a very personal tribute—while maintaining your opera-trained technical precision?
Anna: This balance is something I’ve consistently been working on. My opera background has made me a little obsessed with perfect execution but Josh has helped me be more open with letting go a little and allow more emotions to come through in the moment.
Jo: You describe your style as couture metal, merging high-fashion with symphonic grandeur. How did the collaboration with photographer/director Peter Coulson help define this unique visual identity for the new album?
Anna: I’ve worked with Peter on photoshoots for several years now and I trust him completely. That kind of chemistry is rare but when we work together it is always effortless and the results are always mind blowing.
Jo: How did the composition of Shadow of Life or the provocative Hate Me begin? Was it a specific orchestral arrangement by you and Josh Mak, or a lyrical concept that set everything in motion?
Anna: Shadow of life began with a lyrical concept I had and Hate me began with a lyrical concept Josh had. It depends on the song but the lyrical concept is often where we start from.
Jo: The band members perform as masked super-humans. Does this anonymity help the audience focus more on the substance of the art rather than the individuals behind it?
Josh: As musicians the masks help us focus. Without our voice or face we can only speak through our instruments. This makes us more considered in what and how we play live. Notes are just like words. It’s often that a few well chosen ones are able to say a lot more than many complex ones.
Jo: ANA is more than just music; it includes an official comic book series and a documentary entitled Watch Me As I Rise. How do these different media interact to tell the full story of the ANA universe?
Josh: The comic is based on the band and while it is a work of fiction it draws heavily on real people, events and characters. The individual personalities in the band are expanded on in much greater detail than we are able to show in a live performance or a song. The documentary takes you behind the scenes and out on the road with us. Giving fans a glimpse into all the works and countless hours that lead up to the final result. It’s not just a story about a band but
it’s a human story that anyone can relate to.
Jo: Working with Chris Themelco for engineering/mixing and Thomas Plec Johansson for mastering is a high-level choice. What was the most important sonic goal you wanted to achievement for the new album?
Josh: I know it’s a cliché answer but our goal was to make sure we sounded like ourselves. We strive to record music that is as close to what we perform as possible as we don’t rely on tracks live. Therefore our tones and arrangements have to be very considered. Chris and Plec understand this intimately and work with us to achieve this result.
Jo: Based in Melbourne, you’ve noted that ANA has a distinct Australian edge. How does the local scene influence your sound compared to the traditional European symphonic metal acts?
Josh: We take inspiration from each other in the band. We rehearse together a lot and much of that time is spent on improvising ideas. I don’t think we’re influenced by the scene but maybe it’s the culture and way of life here that you hear bleeding into our music.
Jo: From the love/hate circus of the music industry in “Hate Me to toxic relationships in Sick Love, your lyrics are very raw. Is it difficult to be so transparent with your audience?
Anna: Being transparent isn’t difficult for me because I know that if I don’t believe in what I am saying how can the audience believe it? All the songs lyrics whether good or bad are authentic and that’s what I believe makes life beautiful.
Jo: Following your European tour in early 2025, what are the next steps after the album release on May 29th? Are there plans for more couture live rituals across the globe?
Josh: We are beginning the tour with 4 countries and 12 shows in May. Singapore, Thailand, South Korea and Japan. There are plans for another tour later in the year but at the moment the countries aren’t confirmed yet. Although I can say that it’s likely a country we haven’t been to before.
Jo(+1): The Last Thought: If Shadow of Life was the final message ANA left to the world, what is the one truth about the human condition you hope it reveals?
Anna: You should always try for the dreams you want. Whether we achieve them or not is not the point. The journey of trying is better than reflection with regret.
ANA continues to prove that metal can be both brutal and breathtakingly beautiful. We thank them for their time and their vision. Make sure to watch Shadow of Life and follow their journey into the depths of the soul.
Regards, Josh Mak
Interview – text: Joanna Gonas
