Couture symphonic metal band ANA drop new ‘Following the Wind’ music video

As couture symphonic metal band ANA storms across the United States on tour with Danzig, Twin Temple and Burning Witches, they dropped this electrifying new music video for “Following the Wind.” Directed by Aaron Mak and filmed during their recent Japan Tour, this music video captures the visceral energy of a band hitting their stride on the global stage, offering fans a rare glimpse into the chaotic beauty of life on the road for these rising superstars. Blending heavy rock riffs with soaring classical elements, ANA has carved out a unique space for fans of Evanescence, Nightwish, and Dorothy. “Following the Wind” is a profound visual anchor for the band’s new full-length studio album, Motivated by Death, which was released on May 29, 2026 via Eclipse Records. This is the fourth music video from their latest album, and it further cements this band as one of the scene’s rising superstars.

The music video for “Following the Wind” steps away from the band’s highly stylized studio shoots to deliver something deeply authentic. Vocalist Anna Khristenko noted that the band has always wanted to shoot a live video to capture the unique energy shared between the performers and the crowd. This video brings their renowned live show to fans worldwide who have yet to witness it firsthand. Director Aaron Mak translates this live energy perfectly to the screen. By spending prolonged, intimate moments with the band on tour, Mak was able to shoot from the perspective of an audience member experiencing the show night after night. He also captured the private moments of victory offstage, which he believes enriches the video in a completely new way. “Having worked with ANA on their feature documentary, Watch Me As I Rise, this music video feels like a bridging point between that film and the next instalment.” Says Aaron Mak. “The mindset of wanting this project to be more than just a music video persisted, which explains the intercutting of emotionally charged moments and milestones. The ANA we saw struggling with overcoming obstacles in Watch Me As I Rise has flourished into this latest iteration – more confident, but still hungry as ever. It’s a prologue to the next chapter of this band’s evolution.” The band’s documentary film Watch Me As I Rise, is currently streaming exclusively on Thunderflix.

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. Other standouts from the album include “Hate Me” and “Papa”. 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. Get Motivated By Death on CD Digipak via Eclipse Records & on all digital platforms at this location.

ANA on tour w/ Danzig, Twin Temple, Burning Witches (get tickets), remaining dates:
09/20   Grand Prairie, TX @ Texas Trust Co Theatre
09/26   Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center

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. Ana is Anna Khristenko (Vocals), Josh Mak (Guitar), Cody Lamb (Bass), Andres Felipe Martinez Osorio (Drums), Mark Shi (Keys).