ANA: Unveiling the Shadow of Life Music Video

Couture Symphonic Metal band ANA channels The Matrix chic in their stunning ‘Shadow of Life‘ music video & single.

Listen to the single on all digital music platforms worldwide via this location

ANA‘s new full-length album ‘Motivated By Death‘ is set for release on May 29^th, 2026, available as CD Digipak & all digital platforms. Pre-order / Pre-save – here

The Melbourne heavy music scene has long been a breeding ground for sonic innovation, but the arrival of ANA marks a sophisticated shift toward what the quintet describes as “couture metal”. This aesthetic evolution prioritizes high-fashion theatricality alongside the punishing precision of symphonic metal. The band further cements this visual identity with the release of their vibrant new music video for ‘Shadow of Life‘, a standout track from their forthcoming full-length album, ‘Motivated By Death‘.

Directed by the masterful Peter Coulson and filmed at Koukei Studio in Kilsyth South, the video serves as a brilliant collision of nineties nostalgia and modern production. Coulson describes the project as a remake of the nineties aesthetic, allowing the band’s natural charisma to take center stage. For vocalist Anna Khristenko, the visual direction was a deliberate choice to contrast the song’s heavy themes. While ‘Shadow of Life‘ serves as a philosophical reminder to live every day to its fullest, Khristenko wanted the video to remain “danceable and fun“. Drawing inspiration from the iconic leather coats and sunglasses of The Matrix, she opted for a costume that pays homage to her favorite actor, Keanu Reeves. This is the second single & music video taken from their upcoming full-length album ‘Motivated By Death‘ which will be released on May 29^th, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

The video captures a band operating as a cohesive unit of “masked super-humans“. For bassist Cody Lamb, the shoot marked his second music video experience with the group, and he credits Coulson with creating a comfortable environment that allowed the band to pour their heart and soul into the performance. Keyboardist Mark Shi, who has previously occupied the director’s chair himself, expressed immense gratitude for being able to step into the action as Coulson’s grand vision came to life.

Guitarist Josh Mak also revealed a special treat for fans… The video features an eye-catching neon green Ormsby GTI Hype Guitar, a custom instrument created specifically for this video, and that a lucky fan will have the chance to win this exact piece of history! Read more about the giveaway contest – here.

While many symphonic metal acts lean into fantasy tropes, ANA focuses on a sophisticated evolution of the craft. Led by vocalist Anna Khristenko, the band members perform as masked super-humans. This visual identity is captured on the album cover by acclaimed Australian photographer Peter Coulson, bridging the gap between high fashion and the visceral intensity of symphonic metal.

Produced by the creative duo of Josh Mak and Khristenko, the record finds a balance between orchestral grandeur and sonic precision. The eight-song track list opens with this first single entitled ‘Hate Me‘, a defiant anthem exploring the thin line between passion and animosity. The song suggests that the true opposite of love is indifference rather than hate. It serves as a declaration of resilience, showing that while vitriol often follows success, it only fuels the band’s drive.

The album was produced by Anna Khristenko & Josh Mak, engineered & mixed by Chris Themelco (Eye of the Enemy, Naberus) at Monolith Studios, and mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson (Groove Armada, Soilwork, Mayhem) at The Panicroom Studio. Cover art for the album was shot by Peter Coulson.