ANA

ANA is a Melbourne-based symphonic metal quintet that emerged in late 2022, quickly establishing a foothold in the Australian heavy music scene with a sound defined by high-fidelity production and theatrical vocal arrangements. Led by vocalist Anna Hristenko and guitarist Josh Mak, the band’s identity centers on the 'symphonic' label not just as a genre tag, but as a structural philosophy, utilizing Matt Williamson’s keyboard work to create cinematic soundscapes that rival film scores.

Their debut EP, 'The Art of Letting Go' (2024), showcased a sophisticated blend of progressive metal rhythms and gothic melodicism. Critically, they are noted for avoiding the 'cheesiness' often associated with symphonic metal by grounding their soaring arrangements in modern, syncopated guitar work and introspective, existential lyrics. Their rapid output, including 2026's 'Hate Me' and 'Motivated By Death', suggests a prolific creative cycle focused on refining the intersection of operatic tradition and contemporary metalcore-adjacent production. They occupy a unique space in the Australian landscape, appealing to both traditional metal fans and listeners of art-pop and dark alternative music.