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News : Premiere: Eths ‘Ankaa’ full album stream

By on April 15, 2016

ETHS PROMO 2016 7 Nicolas Delpierre

Over the last couple of weeks we have been posting tidbits from French metallers Eths and their forthcoming new album Ankaa. This beautifully orchestrated album holds the band’s fundamental modern metal soundscape with Middle Eastern and electronic influences, all guided by mastermind and guitarist Staif Bihl. We certainly can’t get enough of it! Amazing album.

We are now pleased to bring you the full album stream of Ankaa. The new album is due for release on April 22nd via Season of Mist (Worldwide) and Nerve Gas (Australia).

“Ankaa”, also know under the name “Alpha Phoenicis”, is the brightest star in the Phoenix constellation. ETHS are reaching for the stars again with their fourth full-length, which also bears the title ‘Ankaa’. The French modern metal outfit has been a shooting star in its homeland, but now aims to shine in a new light and in a new constellation.

‘Ankaa’ manages to keep the essence of the band, guided by mastermind and guitarist Staif Bihl, who also produced this album. Yet with new frontwoman  Rachel Aspe and other changes in the line-up there are new elements in the sound of the French. The new album sounds more diverse and generally a touch darker. Electronic patterns find as easily a fitting place as a beautiful Arabic chant by ARKAN singer Sarah Layssac. For this recording, Belgian drum progeny Dirk Verbeuren stepped in, who is best known for his work with SOILWORK and delivered a massive yet intricate pounding. ETHS were founded in Marseilles and rapidly managed to conquer the covers of French music magazines following the wildfire success of their EPs “Autopsie” (2000) and “Samantha” (2002). Debut album “Soma” (2004) saw the band opening for CHILDREN OF BODOM and CRADLE OF FILTH in France. With the follow-up “Tératologie” (2008), ETHS demonstrated their experience and maturity grown out of playing hundreds of shows.

With their excellent third effort “III”, the band took their challenge abroad by releasing four English versions of the original French songs on an international edition. Many predicted ETHS’ star to be falling, when charismatic frontwoman Candice left for personal reasons in 2012. Yet the Marseillais were far from finished and scored a coup by enlisting impressive vocalist Rachel Aspe. The singer had already won broad attention, which is highlighted by over a million clicks on a clip showing her growling away at an awe struck jury at France’ biggest talent show. Rachel’s vitriolic vocals fit perfectly to the pounding riff barrage of the band’s modern metal style, which was demonstrated on the EP “Ex Umbra In Solem” (2014). ETHS are not just very much alive and kicking, but as clearly demonstrated by ‘Ankaa’ also creatively exploring new dimensions. Only the stars are the limit!

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Anwar is the editor-in-chief of Metal Obsession.net. When Anwar isn't busy promoting tours, interviewing bands and reviewing awesome music, he loves to collect metal vinyl and play video games. Follow Metal Obsession on Twitter and Facebook