History
Origins and Early Years
Ankor is an alternative metal band based in Catalonia, Spain, originally formed in 2003 in Els Pallaresos, a small village near Barcelona. The founding members started the project when they were just 14 years old, spending their formative years developing a sound that would eventually make them a staple of the Spanish rock and metal scene.
International Lineup and Musical Evolution
Over more than two decades, Ankor has evolved into a multicultural quintet. The lineup features lead vocalist and screamer Jessie Williams, who joined the band from Bristol, UK, and drummer Eleni Nota, hailing from Rhodes, Greece. They are joined by the long-standing Catalan core of the band: guitarists and vocalists David Romeu and Fito Martinez, and bassist Julio López. This blend of backgrounds has contributed to the band's versatility and international appeal.
Critical Recognition and Global Touring
The band's breakthrough into the mainstream consciousness occurred in January 2015, when they were named the best newcomer band by the readers of La Heavy, a premier rock and metal publication in Spain and Latin America. This recognition set the stage for their fourth studio album in 2017, which propelled the group onto the international circuit and allowed them to embark on their first worldwide tour.
White Dragon and Genre-Defying Sound
In 2019, Ankor released White Dragon, an album that marked their most experimental period. Moving away from traditional metal constraints, the record seamlessly integrates influences from rap, electronic music, funk, and alternative rock. The production quality was elevated by collaborations with top-tier engineers, including mixer Dan Korneff (Pierce The Veil, Papa Roach) and mastering engineer Ted Jensen (Bring Me The Horizon, Avenged Sevenfold). With five studio albums in their discography, Ankor continues to be recognized as a leading representative of modern Spanish alternative metal.
