In the footsteps of Fields of the Nephilim and The Sisters Of Mercy, Ankst, a band formed in 2006, in Durban, South Africa, delivered a quality goth/deathrock album. You can grab the 10 song for free directly from the band’s official web site.
The original line-up consist of Raymond Ross (Vocals), Aiden Botha (Guitar) and Dylan Van Collar (Keyboard) and later joined by Noel Hall (Bass). “We Become Godsâ€, the debut EP was released in 2007 followed by touring South Africa extensively and the band gained popularity. Their song “Better Than Meâ€, was included on the German Gothic compilation “Smoke and Spotlight Vol.2†and the band shared the scene with bands such as Battery9, Wintersoul and the German synthpop outfit Psyche.
Dylan Van Collar and Noel Hall left the band in 2008 and were replaced by classically trained pianist Dave Van Tonder on keyboards and Punk/Alternative ex-Clone guitarist Malcolm Silver on bass guitar.
Ankst hit hard in 2008/09 touring South Africa regularly fronting such international acts as Carcass, Sheep on Drugs and VNV Nation. Mid 2008 saw the release of the very first full length, 10 track CD entitled “Monument†of which the very first shipment sold out quickly even with out outside distribution. The band was also included on the official “A Tribute to Garden of Delight†with their rendition of “Immortalityâ€. Other compilations include the epic “Gothic Sounds of Nightbreed Vol.5†and soon to be released “Fused in Darknessâ€. The band also had the honor of being one of many bands to receive a mention in Mick Mercer’s book “Music to Die Forâ€.
At the end of 2009, Aiden Botha (Guitar) sadly parted with Ankst to pursue his true love, that of Black Metal. Aiden was replaced by Johan Prinsloo and “Dystopia” is the proof, Ankst are unstoppable on the path exploring the shadow side of the rock.
Track List
01.Dig Two Graves
02.Dystopia
03.A Brave New Day
04.Apocalypse Song (Feat. Trevor Bamford)
05.Flower Children (It’s Too Late Now)
06.Of Little Consequense
07.Pearls Before Swine
08.Manhattan Skyline (A-Ha Cover)
09.Tribe
10.Broadcast
“Dystopia” have dark layers, glowing textures, pumping bass, shivering riffs and catchy choruses, this is an absolute classic, beautiful and gloomy, “all inclusive” dark rock album. And merging “Manhattan Skyline” into deathrock, well it’s quite a thing! But they did it perfectly.
Ankst – Official Site
Ankst @ MySpace
