ANA – The Art of Letting Go
Release Date: 29th March 2024
Label: Eclipse Records
Order/Stream
Genre: Symphonic Metal, Hard Rock.
FFO: Scarlet Dorn, Moran Magal, Souls of Diotima, Worlds Beyond.
Review By: Mark Waight
The Art of Letting Go is the very impressive debut EP from Hard Rocking Symphonic Metal band ANA, which in my opinion gives them a very solid base on which to build future releases. The vocals are simply stunning, and the music craft is simply divine. So, if that is the sort of thing that whets your appetite then read on!
Australian band ANA were only formed in 2023 by Anna Khristenko (vocals), Josh Mak (guitar), Tory Giamba (bass), Cleveland Beckford Gonzalez (drums) and Matt Williamson (keyboards) but they are already carving a name for themselves amongst fans and critics alike. Although ANA initially fall under the Symphonic Metal banner there is so much more to them than just that, as they combine an eclectic collection of different influences and genres, these guys know how to Rock and then some!
I’m Not the One opens the proceedings in a very modern way with a cool blend of electronic and modern metal to kick things off nicely. That’s not all though because there are also many other genres magically threading their way through this song with some definite blues influence, by way of some superb guitar work, and some fabulous organ playing giving it a very retro slant being just a couple of things worth noting. A promising start!
A pure Symphonic Metal core runs deeply through Scars which uses a lovely combination of beautiful vocals and dreamy orchestral arrangements to give this tune the type of depth that will linger on in your mind long after the music stops.
Released as a single, Ouroboros is just what you would expect from a band of this calibre as ANA deliver on very many levels. The riffs are tight, the keyboards give it a slightly gothic edge and the vocals are to absolutely die for. It may be subtle, but believe me, this is one hell of a song! Add to that a superb finger numbing guitar solo and some choral vocals, and you get a glimpse of just what ANA are capable of!
Slow burning song Sirens builds slowly throughout its duration with classical elements fusing with at times almost Jazz-like vocals in a match made in Metal heaven. The passion and emotion run hot throughout as the pace builds slowly with a heavy riff providing the transport device.
Final track Moth is a supercharged emotional journey with a solitary piano providing the perfect foil for Ana Khristenko’s almost angelic vocals in an atmospheric, beautiful and at times goose bump inducing dark journey. You won’t hear many finer compositions to round things off.
The Art of Letting Go is as good as any other debut EP that I have heard in the last couple of years, as ANA absolutely hands down nail every single song. I cannot wait to hear a full album from ANA, as these guys have a very bright future ahead of them if they can continue to deliver music of this sort of quality. With no hesitation, The Art of Letting Go comes very highly recommended, so make sure you check it out when it drops!
(4.5 / 5)
