ANA Delivers a Powerful Message with Papa

The vibrant heavy music scene of Melbourne, Australia, has birthed a compelling new era of artistic expression with the arrival of the couture symphonic metal quintet ANA. Known for their unique synthesis of luxury fashion theatricality and punishing sonic precision, the band has officially released a spellbinding new music video for their deeply personal track, ‘Papa‘.

The conceptual foundation of ‘Papa‘ is rooted in a posthumous letter written by vocalist Anna Khristenko to her deceased father, who was tragically lost to addiction during her childhood. Directed by the award-winning photographer Peter Coulson, this cinematic masterpiece serves as a profound visual anchor for the band’s new full-length studio album, ‘Motivated by Death‘ (review here), recently released on May 29^th, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

This is the third music video from their new album, and it successfully captures a whirlwind of human emotion, utilizing a distinctly claustrophobic set design to balance intense performance energy with fragile vulnerability.

According to guitarist Josh Mak, the composition functions as a direct exploration of loss, grief, and the agonizing process of coming to terms with situations that offer no clean resolution. Filmed at the renowned Koukei Studio in Kilsyth, South Australia by award winning photographer Peter Coulson, the visual presentation intentionally mirrors this internal psychological struggle. The band performs within a tight, four-cornered boxed set where each angle is visually distinct, creating an unusual confrontational energy as the masked super-human musicians face one another during the shoot.

Ultimately, ‘Papa‘ transcends the boundaries of traditional heavy metal music videos to deliver a universally resonant commentary on the human condition. Josh Mak emphasized that while the narrative is intensely personal to Khristenko, individual experiences with permanent loss are universally shared, offering viewers a space to process their own grief. As ANA stands at the precipice of international stardom, this video lays their art and hearts entirely bare.

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 heart of the record is found in ‘Shadow of Life‘. Despite the title of the album, the band does not dwell on morbidity. Instead, the song treats death as a vital shadow that gives life its shape. It is a reminder to embrace the impermanence of existence as a catalyst for creativity. This celebration of the present moment elevates the record into a deep exploration of the human condition. Other standouts from the album include ‘Hate Me‘.

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. Motivated By Death by Ana was released on May 29^th, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

Get ‘Motivated By Death‘ on CD Digipak via Eclipse Records & on all digital platforms – here.

Track list:

Hate Me
Shadow of Life
You Loved Me More Than I Love Myself
Following the Wind
Eyes of A Child
Sick Love
Papa
Aerials (System of A Down cover)

About Ana:

ANA draws comparisons to Symphonic Metal titans such as Nightwish, Within Temptation, and Evanescence, yet they maintain a distinct Australian edge that refuses to be pigeonholed. By blending the grandeur of orchestral arrangements with the visceral power of symphonic metal and modern hard rock, ANA ensures that “couture metal” is not just about the appearance of luxury, but the substance of the art itself.