ANA is the solo project of symphonic Metal vocalist Anna Hristenko. Formed in 2023 in Melbourne, Australia, ANA release now their debut EP “The Art Of Letting Go”. It was recorded and mixed by Chris Themelco at Monolith Studios and mastered by Thomas Johansson at The Panic Room Studios. The EP has a length of about 23 minutes. “The Art Of Letting Go” was released via New Jersey Heavy Metal specialists Eclipse Records. Australia surely did not invent symphonic Metal. In an interview last year, I spoke with Australian vocalist Victoria Knight about the lack of popularity of symphonic Metal in Australia and we concluded it is a matter of getting exposed to the genre. Here we are Australia! There is more exposure for you. “The Art Of Letting Go” has an emotional start. “I’m Not The One” is a song at a measured tempo, it has a few ballad-esque features, and powerful guitar riffing at the early stages and during the middle part. What starts quietly with the vocals being the focal point, becomes heavier and also faster as time goes on. The vocals are around the medium end of the vocal range, but with some tonal shifts to either end of the range. They lead excellently through the track and are always on top. The keyboards take a more prominent role towards the end with some jazzy vibes in the melodies. “Scars” starts with heavy riffing, crunching basslines, and with orchestral arrangements in the background. The melodies have slight melancholic features. The brass, strings, and the piano are most prominent, and they become the leading elements during the track besides the vocals. While “Scars” is a symphonic Metal song with all the arrangements, the vocals have a lot of Rock vibes throughout, and they once again are the focal point of the track.

“Ouroboros” is a mid-tempo track with powerful guitar riffing, strong basslines, and a few double-bass drums in between. The melodic framework is catchy, leading to almost anthemic chorus lines. The keyboard parts during the bridges and the chorus is too much in the foreground and does not fit well in. The vocals include a few higher notes. One of the highlights is the contributing lead guitar solo. “Ouroboros” is one of my favorite tracks on the EP. “Sirens” has a quiet start with the orchestral arrangements and the vocals. It transitions into a mid-tempo track with tight guitar riffing accompanied by the strings, the brass, and the vocals. It is a song composed for Anna Hristenko to shine as she is required to use her full vocal range and all aspects of her vocal style. She grabs that opportunity and leads once again perfectly through the track. In particular, the quiet beginning of the track suits her voice and vocal style and one can only assume how powerful she would perform a ballad. The EP finishes with “Moth” and it starts with a piano intro and the vocals. What I said about Anna Hristenko vocal strengths, she impressively reconfirms during the ballad-esque parts of the track. The middle part transitions into a dynamic mid-tempo track, where the sharp riffing and the drumming are the highlights, with the vocals always being on top of the song. “Moth” is surely another highlight of the EP, and the track was released as video, with the YouTube link provided below.

Anna Hristenko has a good start with her solo project ANA. “The Art Of Letting Go” is a first teaser of what might come in the future. It is a good mix of symphonic Metal and melodic Metal. All tracks are centered around the vocals and Anna Hristenko masters the challenge perfectly. Her vocal strengths are the versatility in performing different styles, her vocal range, and her ability to transport emotions. All this is utilized in the songs. The EP is well produced. “The Art Of Letting Go” is a promising start, even though I think it will not be the final product of what we can expect from ANA during the upcoming years. Symphonic and melodic Metal fans can be excited about the future releases of Anna Hristenko.