Australia has long been a powerhouse for heavy music, but the Melbourne-based outfit Ana is currently carving out a niche that defies traditional categorization. Identifying as a couture symphonic metal band, the group seamlessly merges high-fashion aesthetics with the grandiosity of melodic metal.
Their latest offering, a visually arresting music video for the single “Hate Me”, serves as a defiant statement of intent for a band that refuses to blend into the background. To capture this vision, the band collaborated with iconic Australian photographer Peter Coulson, who handled the directing, filming, and editing.
Known for his mastery of light and shadow, Coulson brings a high-fashion editorial lens to the production, elevating the video beyond standard performance clips into the realm of cinematic art.
This is the first single & music video taken from their debut full-length album “Motivated By Death”, which will be released on May 29th, 2026, via Eclipse Records.
Watch the official video for “Hate Me” below.
“The provocative nature of the video was entirely intentional”, says guitarist Josh Mak. “We drew significant inspiration from Salma Hayek’s legendary performance in From Dusk Till Dawn, utilizing specific costumes and color schemes to create an atmosphere of dangerous elegance”.
Vocalist Anna Khristenko adds: “This was the first time I worked with a snake in a video. I have always loved snakes and shooting with one has been a dream of mine. Initially it was a little difficult for me to adapt to the snake’s movements. I tried pulling it in the direction I wanted and was met with some unhappy hissing, but luckily no one was bitten and we managed to get some beautiful shots”!
Keyboardist Mark Shi continues: “I am so grateful that the video was in the hands of the masterful Peter Coulson. It was a great experience watching the master at work and getting to play a tiny part in his grand vision is a surreal experience that I will treasure forever”.
Also, bassist Cody Lamb says: “This was a truly fun experience. Peter made it easy and comfortable for me to work the camera and give my heart, effort, and soul into the performance”.
Finally, director Peter Coulson says on the video: “I just pushed buttons and allowed Anna and the band to do the rest”.
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. “Motivated By Death” by Ana will be released on May 29, 2026 via Eclipse Records.
Pre-order & pre-save “Motivated By Death” here.
Tracklist:
01. Hate Me
02. Shadow of Life
03. You Loved Me More Than I Love Myself
04. Following the Wind
05. Eyes of a Child
06. Sick Love
07. Papa
08. Aerials (System Of A Down cover)
Line-up:
Anna Khristenko – Vocals
Josh Mak – Guitar
Cody Lamb – Bass
Andres Felipe Martinez Osorio – Drums
Mark Shi – Keys
