BIRTH

Formed late in 2006 by members Raymond Ross, Dylan Van Coller, Aiden Botha and joined later by Noel Hall, ANKST was originally a concept project intended to provide Durban with their very own Traditional Goth band. The idea was to stick to the original "recipe" and create a strait-down-the-line Trad Goth band, borrowing heavily from the likes of The Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim, The Wake and various other first and second generation Goth bands. Although these influences come through as intended, there is something very original about the band that is very difficult to single out.

THE GOTH CONNECTION

The four members of ANKST are extremely involved in the South African Goth scene and have a passion for the culture, music and lifestyle. Ross, Van Collar, Botha and Hall all hail from Pinetown, an area about 20 km from Durban and have been a part of the Durban Goth scene for many years. Ross and Van Collar are members of Elysium, Durban's Gothic event organisers, who have organised Goth/Death-Rock events over the past 8 years. Botha, together with his girlfriend Ebony, are also involved in creating the most incredible Gothic clothing, corsets, jewelry, collars and bags under the well known Aevil Clothing banner.

MEMBERS

Raymond Ross (vocals)

The oldest member of the band at 36 draws his vocal influence from the likes of Andrew Eldritch and Carl McCoy.

Dylan Van Collar (keyboards)

Self-taught keyboard player and walking Goth/Metal encyclopedia, aged 30, brings a aural depth to the band with his haunting melody and analogue drones.

Aiden Botha (guitar)

Long time Goth/Metal guitarist likes his music edgy and HARD! His ability to create a solid yet catchy riff gives ANKST it's raw, un clinical feel.

Noel Hall (bass)

The newest member of the band, originally a Metal guitarist, joined the band in March 2007 on bass. Becoming well know for his Rock 'n Roll attitude, he encompasses the spirit of the band.

A.N.N.E (drums)

An IBM ThinkPad R60 by the name of A.N.N.E provides the foundation for ANKST's drum machine as well as Van Collar's keyboard soundbank. She's been with the band from the start.



WHEN WE BECOME GODS

ANKST produced their own limited edition demo EP entitled "When We Become Gods". The EP contains five tracks.

1. Silent Assassin
2. When We Become Gods
3. Angst
4. Better Than Me
5. Transparency

The EP deals mostly with religious angst and other topics which the band members have in common. The EP was recorded at Spookhaus Studios which is ANKST's very basic personal studio situated in the loft of Ross's home known as The Spookhaus.

GIGS & STUFF

ANKST was invited and appeared to two CD compilations in April 2007. German Gothic compilation "Smoke and Spotlight vol2" and South Africa's "Artists Against Animal Abuse" alternative compilation.

ANKST played their first gig on the 26th of May 2007 at Durban's 1st annual Goth festival "Dominion", with esteemed dark alternative band Runica.

ANKST have just played Cape Town's "Gothic Industrial Gathering" along with bands Battery 9, Winter Soul and Psyche (Canada/Germany)