Loud, visceral, imposing, intelligent. Based in the creative hub of Bristol, UK, ANTA formed in early 2010 and quickly set to establishing a fearsome live reputation, the initial material forming the backbone of their debut album 'The Tree That Bears The Equine Fruit'. Since its release, the instrumental quartet have seen a change in guitarist, played countless shows across the UK sharing stages with bands such as Mugstar, Trans Am, Chrome Hoof, Thought Forms and Bardo Pond, as well as numerous festival appearances (including a notable midday slot at Supernormal Festival, guaranteeing nobody on site stayed asleep past 12). The last eighteen months have seen the band's sound evolve from the lurching, exploratory doomscapes that defined their debut, into something considerably more concise, focussed and sonically aggressive. 'Centurionaut' is the culmination of a year's worth of writing, playing, refining and honing. Recorded at Geoff Barrow's State Of Art studio, for their second record ANTA have created an album with all the fat trimmed, not a second is wasted in its 40 tight, punchy minutes. All of the band's hallmarks are present: kinetic, inventive drum work, guttural, throat-rattling bass,
beautifully intertwined synth and organ lines and filthy, driving guitar. This time round though, the immediacy and urgency in the songs' execution leaves you short of breath. The album will be released in June on the band's own Thrones & Dominions label on boutique heavyweight gatefold vinyl and digital download. In the run up to the album, a series of remixes commissioned by the band themselves will be released, with re-interpretations of all the album's tracks by Dälek, Antoni Maiovvi, Bronnt Industries Kapital, Ladyscraper, Fairhorns and ORE. A single and video for 'Dolmen', track 3 of the album, will also precede the release.
A heavy band for whom considered songwriting and catchy hooks are as important as bruising riffs, in 'Centurionaut' ANTA have produced the most convincing demonstration of their vision so far.