Ankor (band)

Ankor
Ankor at Wacken Open Air 2024
Background information
OriginCatalonia, Spain
GenresAlternative metal, metalcore, electronic, power metal (early)
Years active2003–present
LabelsRock Estatal, UNFD
MembersJessie Williams
Eleni Nota
David Romeu
Fito Martinez
Julio López
Past membersJosé "Jossy" Alarcón
Alberto Muñoz
Juan "Expo" Expósito
Rosa De La Cruz
Javier "Rubio" Casanova
Jordi Vidal
Raphaela Tache
Websiteankormusic.com

Ankor (stylised as ANKOR) is a Spanish alternative metal band from Catalonia, featuring female front singer/screamer Jessie Williams, drummer Eleni Nota, guitarists/singers David Romeu and Fito Martinez, and bassist Julio López.[1]

History

The band formed in 2003 in Els Pallaresos, a village near Barcelona.[2] In 2014, they were chosen best newcomer band by the readers of Spanish and South American rock magazine La Heavy.

In 2014, the band recruited British vocalist Jessie Williams,[3] who has cited a lack of demand for metal music in Spain as their reason for moving away and focusing on the global market instead.

In 2024, the band signed with Australian label UNFD and released their debut album, Shoganai.[2][4]

Musical style and influences

Originally a power metal band, they have since evolved their sound into alternative metal,[2] fused together with metalcore and electronic music. In an interview with The Pretty Cult, Jessie Williams has cited Japanese culture as a significant influence on their music, as well as Falling in Reverse, Maximum the Hormone, hip-hop and even classical music.

Members

Current

  • David Romeu – guitars (2003–present)
  • Julio Lopez – bass, backing and co-lead vocals (2009–2017, 2020–present)
  • Fito Martínez – guitars (2011–present)
  • Jessie Williams – lead vocals (2014–present)
  • Eleni Nota – drums (2022–present)

Former

  • José "Jossy" Alarcón – vocals, bass (2004–2008)
  • Alberto Muñoz – vocals, bass (2008–2009)
  • Juan "Expo" Expósito – guitar (2003–2011)
  • Rosa De La Cruz – lead vocals (2003–2014)
  • Javier "Rubio" Casanova – keyboards (2003–2015)
  • Jordi Vidal – drums, violin (2004–2016)
  • Raphaela Tache – drums, keyboards, backing vocals (2016–2022)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

  • Al fin descansar (2008)
  • My Own Angel (2011)
  • Last Song for Venus (2013)
  • Beyond the Silence of These Years (2017)
  • White Dragon (2019)
  • Shoganai – Mini Album Vol. 1 (2024)

EPs

  • Demo (2005)
  • No + Dolor (2007)
  • Get on the Winner Horse! (2014)

References

  1. ^ "Catalonia-based alt. band ANKOR release high-octane single Embers". Kerrang!. 7 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "ANKOR Sign To UNFD, Drop New Track 'Embers' | HEAVY Magazine". 11 June 2024.
  3. ^ "100 FACTS about ANKOR – Special 100K (ENGLISH/ESPAÑOL)". YouTube. 29 June 2020.
  4. ^ Weaver, James (8 June 2024). "Ankor release new music video for 'Embers'".
  • Media related to Ankor at Wikimedia Commons
  • Ankor discography at Discogs