General Information
Personnel:
Anna Hristenko – vocals
Josh Mak – guitar
Cody Lamb – bass
Mark Shi – keys
Andres Felipe Martinez Osorio – drums
Release Date: May 29, 2026
Producer: Chris Themelco
Label: Eclipse Records
Setting the Scene
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Ana is a symphonic metal band making their official introduction with their debut album, Motivated By Death. The record drops on May 29, 2026, via Eclipse Records.
First Impression
Motivated By Death thrives on sharp contrasts. The record is built on a restless energy, constantly switching up the tempo, the weight of the riffs, and the instrumentation within the tracks themselves. By moving seamlessly from fast, heavy assaults straight into slower, atmospheric stretches, these constant shifts keep the album entirely unpredictable from start to finish.
Similar Sounds
If you’re into any of these artists, this album should be on your radar.
Within TemptationBeyond the BlackLacuna Coil
Visual Vibes
Track on Repeat
“Shadow of Life” is a fast and heavy track driven by a highly melodic, beautiful hook.
In-depth Notes
Musical Shape 🎸
Motivated By Death builds its musical depth on heavy foundations and sharp guitar work. Tracks like “Hate Me” and “Following the Wind” mix aggressive playing with strong melodies. The guitars drive the heavy feel on songs like “Eyes of A Child,” while a wide variety of extra instrumental sounds are layered into the tracks.
Vocal Performance 🎤
Anna Khristenko’s outstanding vocal performance anchors the record. Her atmospheric delivery cuts straight through heavy tracks like “Hate Me,” while slower moments like “Sick Love” highlight her raw vocal quality.
Production Quality 🎧
The production is sharp, catching every shift without muddying the sound. It balances the heavy instruments and layered sounds, making sure the riffs hit hard while keeping the quiet moments perfectly clear.
Themes and Concepts 💭
The core concepts confront grim realities like mortality, unresolved grief, and toxic relationships. These struggles serve as a foundation for a broader message of fierce independence and aggressive defiance. Ultimately, the overarching theme focuses on pushing through deep trauma to find self-reliance and small slivers of hope in bleak situations.
Final Verdict
Motivated By Death is a heavy, unpredictable record that relies on aggressive instrumentation to turn grim realities into an act of pure defiance.
Mood Meter
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Intensity
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Melancholy
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Darkness
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Emotional
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Serenity
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Energy
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Romance
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Joyfulness
Perfect For…
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Working out – sitting in nature, with your thoughts
Driving – but keep your eyes on the road
Working – When a co-worker comes to your desk to show you photos of his kids, turn the VOLUME UP.
Working on Arts – inspirational melodies
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