EPK

Anthea

Basic Information

Band Name: Anthea

Genre: Symphonic Metal (with Progressive, Power, Thrash, and Cinematic elements)

Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Years Active: 2015 – Present
Management: Eric Clarke (NovaStrike Management)

Label Status: Independent (Previously on Rockshots Records)

Band Members

Diego Valadez (Vocals//Keys) - Juan Pina (Rhythm Guitar//Screams) - Marcos Mejia (Lead Guitar)

Gabby Hawk (Bass) - Peter Vasquez (Drums)

The Sirens

Mel Del Real - Astrid Anaya

Band Bio

Short Bio:
Anthea is a symphonic metal band from Los Angeles, CA, renowned for their theatrical sound that fuses progressive, power, and thrash metal with cinematic orchestration. Known for captivating performances and epic storytelling, Anthea stands at the forefront of the modern symphonic metal scene.

Full Bio:
Anthea is a symphonic metal band from Los Angeles, CA, renowned for their distinctive theatrical sound that masterfully blends progressive, power, and thrash metal elements with a grand cinematic edge. Drawing inspiration from legendary bands such as Nightwish, Kamelot, and Wintersun, as well as esteemed composers like Hans Zimmer, John Williams, and Danny Elfman, Anthea crafts a captivating auditory experience that resonates with fans worldwide.

The band was conceived in 2015 by Diego Valadez, who began composing original material with symphonic and progressive metal influences during his time with Cellador. Collaborating with lifelong musician friends, including drummer Peter Vasquez, the project quickly evolved into a full-fledged band named Anthea. Guitarist/vocalist Juan Pina and lead guitarist Marcos Mejia were subsequently recruited, enriching Anthea’s sound. Bassist Eric “EJ” Guerrero later joined, further enhancing the group's dynamic.

Anthea made their live debut on October 10, 2015, at Whisky a Go-Go in Hollywood, CA, and quickly gained recognition within the metal scene, performing alongside acts like Rhapsody of Fire, Wind Rose, and Quiet Riot. Their debut album Illusion (2020) received critical acclaim, with singles like “Moirai” and “Reach” gaining international airplay. Their sophomore album, Tales Untold (2022), solidified their reputation, earning perfect scores and rave reviews from Power Play Magazine, Metal Gods TV, and Metal Express Radio.

In 2024, bassist EJ Guerrero departed, and Gabby Hawk joined as a permanent member. Anthea further evolved their live shows in 2025 by introducing backup vocalists (Mel Del Real and Astrid Anaya) known as The Sirens, adding rich harmonies to performances. The band's theatrical live shows, inspired by gothic musicals such as "Phantom of the Opera" and "Sweeney Todd," have become a hallmark of their identity, captivating audiences and setting them apart in the symphonic metal scene. Anthea has shared the stage with renowned acts such as Delain, Xandria, and Visions of Atlantis. The band is currently working on their third studio album and continues to expand their sound and fanbase worldwide.

Photos & Logo

Music

Anthea - Tales Untold (2022)
RockShots Records

Anthea - Illusion(2020)
Rockshots Records

Video

Press//Reviews

"An epic adventure that everyone needs to go on. 10/10"

Mark Lacey - Power Play Magazine

"The new album ‘Tales Untold’ – released in 2022 – has an even bigger sound than its predecessor, projecting a huge cinematic aura onto its listeners."

Iron Mathew - Metal Gods TV

"ANTHEA “Tales Untold” Surpasses All Expectations For A Progressive Power Metal Album"

Doug Groff - Rock You Show

"Tales worth telling!"

Bryce Van Patten - Metal Express Radio

"I find ANTHEA’s interpretation to be both fresh and personal."

Dave "That Metal Guy" Campbell - Metal Temple

"Blends speed, pomp, a catchy chorus and proggy keys into a unified and engaging whole that is fun to sing along with while playing air instruments"

MetalMike - Metal Crypt

"The song writing on this album is commendable and of the highest calibre. If you are looking out for a melodic sound with plenty of surprises and a true rollercoaster experience, you’ve hit the jackpot with this one. Go for it!" (9.5/10)

Ankit Sood - The Metal Resource

"The music and the vocals work together in perfect harmony, whether its through gentler moments or full unashamed bombastic power. Lyrically, Anthea offer a truly poetic experience, elevating a listener’s wonder and imagination to optimum level." (5 STARS)

Amy Lawrence - MMH Radio

"A long-term, melodic debut album, with excellent musical combinations, there are different tempos that can be heard as Thrash metal briefly, they have a strong combination that goes from Symphonic Metal to Power Metal and vice versa, at the beginning they start very Power Metal and end very Symphonic Metal, that gives variety to the album!" (90/100)

Darkzen Dragon

"Overall, a fast paced and very infectious album of heavy hitting symphonic power metal with stunning twists and turns." (9.5/10)

Iron Mathew Collins - Metal Gods TV

"I believe that Anthea have managed to convince us of the value of their musical ideas with a strong debut and of course with the composite result they present to us in 'Illusion'."

Angelos Hontzias - Rockway.gr

"A sort of dramatic theatrical experience that of this "Illusion", which ranks among the best releases of the gothic-epic panorama of 2020." (8/10)

Vittorio "Vice" Giorcelli - Tutto Rock Magazine

"Congratulations ANTHEA on achieving one of the better albums for 2020!" (9/10 )

Kevin Lewis - Metal-Temple

"A solid surprise from the USA here." (5/6)

Frode Øien - Scream Magazine

"The whole piece is just incredible to listen to as you get lost in the composition and what it stands for"

Darren Mclntyre - Jace Media

“The band went on to be named as first-place winners on the night. When their name is announced, the crowd screams in appreciation.”

Nic Cha Kim - Spectrum News 1

“Guitarist Juan Pina’s screams and Valadez’ clean vocals kept the dynamics interesting and brought out the extra push for something unique in comparison to what you would normally find in the majority of symphonic metal acts.”

Jason Williams - Metal Assault

“The band aren’t afraid to heavy things up if they deem it necessary for the advancement of the song, meaning that The Anthea (Demo) is a varied and satisfying listening experience”

Ferry Templeton - Sentinel Daily