Ankst

ANKST was formed in the second half of 2006 by original members Raymond Ross (vocals), Aiden Botha (guitar) and Dylan Van Collar (keyboards), to be joined later by bassist Noel Hall. After writing material that was to become the “We Become Gods” EP, ANKST took to touring South Africa extensively. The band gained popularity amongst the goth, alternative and metal scenes throughout 2007, which opened the door to sharing the stage with such acts as the longstanding South African industrial act Battery 9, Winter Soul and German synth-pop outfit Psyche (2). The lineup changed in the first half of 2008 when Dylan Van Collar and Noel Hall left the band and were replaced by classically trained pianist Dave Van Tonder on keyboards and punk/alternative ex-Clone guitarist Malcolm Silver on bass guitar. Mid-2008 saw the release of the very first full length, a 10-track CD entitled “Monument” and also produced their first music video for “The Wicked”. At the end of 2009 guitarist Aiden Botha parted with ANKST. He was replaced by Johan Prinsloo in 2010. February 2011 saw the release of the "Monument" remix album "Document". Later that year the second full length "Dystopia" album was released, recorded primarily at Prisloo's studio by Ross, Van Tonder, Silver and Prinsloo. Ross released a solo ANKST EP "Epitaph" at the beginning of 2012 which signified a decline in the internal dynamic within the band. "Epitaph" saw Ross in the role of vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, bassist, producer and cover design. The EP was created from inception to release in six weeks, followed by remix EP "Epitaph". In April 2012, founder Raymond Ross emigrated to New Zealand. ANKST was placed on hiatus and eventually returned as primarily a solo project. Former site: ankst.info