Anthea – ‘Beyond The Dawn’ Review

Symphonic Metal

Rockshots Records

Release Date – April 17^th 2026

Review Smudge Smith

Anthea (give us a twirl! Sorry had to be done for those of a certain age) are from Los Angeles and have been around since 2015. Founded by singer/keyboard player Diego Valadez as a side project along with some guys from the local metal scene they drew their inspirations from symphonic metal, melodic death metal, musical theatre and even film scores.

A brief tinkle starts the title track and to my surprise the vocals are a death metal growl courtesy of rhythm guitarist Juan Pina. I was expecting something totally different, but the music is full on symphonic power metal. Valadez gives us the clean stuff on the chorus though. ‘Phantom Of The Masquerade’ builds on some keys and a choir before sliding into an easy melodic rocker with stabbing keys before the keys open double kick heaven on ‘TheLost Soul’ which is darker. Bright piano and a violin sets up the swirling ‘Awakening (SongFor Spring)’ which has some glorious synth lines and backing vocals from The Sirens – Mel Del Real and Astrid Anya. A synth orchestra welcomes the guitars on the same riff for the heavier ‘Bygone Age’ before the symphonic melodic death metal lullaby ‘From Shadows ToLight’ then the instrumental ‘Crystal Moon’ has elements of it all and for me is the song of album. Beautiful synth lines and piano over a steady beat some chugging guitars and ending with acoustics. The vibe is continued on ‘Wanderers Quell’ which is heavier and punchier before the ballad ‘Whispers Of The Heart’ with its sweeping synths and dramatic croon from Valadez. ‘Duality Of Gaia’ continues the drama before the surprise of the album a cover of Tahnee Caine and Tryanglz ‘Burning In The Third Degree’ (nope me neither) but it’s a fine melodic rocker to end with.

This is good with loads going on. Cinematic, symphonic, heavy in places but wholly melodic too. It did take me a few listens to fully appreciate what was happening, so it does take some concentration. If you have the time, then stick this on and I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised and enjoy the ride.

Track List

Beyond The Dawn

Phantom Of The Masquerade

The Lost Soul

Awakening (Song For Spring)

Bygone Age

From Shadows To Light

Crystal Moon

Wanderers Quell

Whispers Of The Heart

Duality Og Gaia

Burnin’ In The Third Degree