No 'White Flags' Here as ANNALYNN Make Their Long-Awaited Return
Restarting isn’t a failure. Thai metalcore mainstays ANNALYNN can attest to that. After a significant blow to the band, which led to them cutting ties with their former singer- the South East Asian pioneers are starting a new chapter with their latest single ‘White Flags’.
“We thought about stopping the band,” ANNALYNN admit. “But in the end, the four of us still chose to move forward… Even though everything will never be the same again, some things may have to start over from zero. But we will never raise the white flags and give up on what we have worked hard for, for almost 20 years."
While there are talks of a new singer in the pipeline, they have decided to continue on as a four-piece. Vocal duties for this track are completely in the hands of guitarist and previously backing vocalist, Nuttapop ‘Pob’ Cheunsuktananun.
“We’re still looking for the right singer... But in the meantime, the four of us just want to get back to playing music together and doing what we feel is right.”
Drawing from the negativity and turning it into a positive, lyrically this may be one of the band’s most uplifting tracks. Mixed and mastered by local Aussie hero Lance Prenc (Alpha Wolf, Polaris, Void of Vision), it’s a fast-paced and crushing comeback. While the vocals obviously take on a different style- musically, it is unmistakably ANNALYNN.
The riffs by Pob and fellow guitarist Supatchaya ‘Boss’ Sompong are instantly recognisable. Monstrous drumming from Nattbhol ‘Mong’ Larp-ar-parat takes it to a furious speed and the distinctive groove from Eakaratch ‘Eak’ Kaewsomdej is ever present. A victory anthem if there ever was one.
Dropping a few days before their comeback show in Bangkok, where members of the Thai music community are taking turns fronting the band, this song is a love letter to their fans. To the ones that stood by them and loudly urged them to continue… it marks a new chapter in their over twenty-year career.
“Trust was completely destroyed,” they shared.
"But as time passed, understanding grew and we received a lot of encouragement that gave us the strength and motivation to continue making music again. We don't expect this new song to be a success or anything big, this isn’t about that—it’s about rebuilding and doing what we love.”
Welcome back, ANNALYNN.
'White Flags' is out now via Greyscale Records.
