Ankaa

Ankaa represents a pivotal moment in Eths' history, serving as their fourth and final studio album. Released in 2016 via Season of Mist, it marked a significant lineup shift with the debut of vocalist Rachel Aspe, whose versatile range from guttural growls to clean singing redefined the band's vocal dynamic. The album is notable for its technical sophistication, featuring session drumming by the legendary Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth, Soilwork), which added a level of rhythmic complexity and speed previously untouched by the group. Sonically, the album departs from their nu-metal roots, incorporating progressive metal structures, industrial electronics, and Middle Eastern musical scales. This 'oriental metal' influence is bolstered by guest appearances from Sarah Layssac and Jon Howard. Thematically, the album looks toward the stars, with tracks named after the Orion constellation (Alnitak, Alnilam, Mintaka), creating a cohesive astronomical narrative that mirrors the band's search for a new identity.