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 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 serves as a profound visual anchor for the band’s new full-length studio album, Motivated By Death, released on May 29, 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. Watch their “Papa” music video now.
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, 2026 via Eclipse Records.
Tracklisting:
“Hate Me”
“Shadow Of Life”
“You Loved Me More Than I Love Myself”
“Following The Wind”
“Eyes Of A Child”
“Sick Love”
“Papa”
“Aerials”
Order your copy of Motivated By Death by Ana now at this location.
(Band Photo Credit: Electrum Photography)
The final solo album of original material by the legendary Paul Di’Anno, original Iron Maiden lead singer is NOW available on colored vinyl.
The final solo album of original material by the legendary Paul Di’Anno, original Iron Maiden lead singer is NOW available on colored vinyl.
“This is a tight as fuck album which delivers proper fist in the air heavy metal that demands you attention as everything is turned up to 11.” – Metal Digest
Paul Di’Anno’s Warhorse is out now worldwide on BraveWords Records.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source bravewords.com ’
