Formed in Antalya in 2007, Angona is a progressive metal band whose evolution has been marked by experimentation and resilience. From their early death/thrash roots to the ambition of creating a “Symphonic Alaturka Metal” style, the Turkish quintet has constantly sought authenticity and energy in their sound. In this exclusive interview, vocalist Utku Arslan and guitarist Tuna Çil look back at their journey, the meaning behind their name, their past EPs, and the band’s current direction focused on live performances and future singles.
Serial Metalbums: Could you introduce Angona to our readers? Who are the current members, and what roles do they play in the band?
Utku Arslan: Angona was founded in Antalya in 2007 under the name Langona with myself and our friends from that period. In 2011, we decided to continue with the name Angona. Currently, our band members are Tuna Çil and Arda Güner on guitar, Hasan Genç on drums, and Toprak Çetinkaya on bass. I am also on vocals; my name is Utku Arslan. We also have musician friends who help us periodically. However, we can say this is our main lineup
Serial Metalbums: How did the band first come together back in 2007? What was the initial vision behind forming Angona? What does the name Angona mean, and why did you choose it?
Utku Arslan: We founded Angona (under the name Langona at the time) in 2007 with great dreams. Back then, we were playing Death/Thrash, and we set out with the ambition of creating unique things and introducing this creation to the world. However, some band members and their decisions became a major obstacle to our progress. In 2011, we adopted the name Angona. The names Angona and Langona carry the same meaning. It is actually a small animal, a limbless lizard (a type of slow worm) that looks like a small snake. Local people in Turkey call it the 'blind snake.' And they have a belief that whoever harms Angona is cursed. This is a belief and tradition dating back to ancient history. This is what influenced us when naming the band. The band has a structure that completely paves its own way and harms no one. I can express the motivation and the exact meaning of the name in this way.
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| Utku Arslan |
Serial Metalbums: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard Angona before? And how do you find balance between complexity and atmosphere in your music?
Tuna Çil: We never limit ourselves to a single subgenre. If someone has never heard Angona before, the first thing they’re going to experience is pure energy. Our songs are written with the stage in mind. We literally compose while imagining the live moment and how we can make it our best. It’s all about raw adrenaline and that explosive live feeling. That’s the core of what Angona sounds like.
Serial Metalbums: What are the main influences that shaped your sound, both musically and lyrically? Do Turkish culture or traditional elements ever influence your compositions or themes?
Tuna Çil: What inspired this album wasn’t the urge to write something overly technical or saturated with complexity but rather the desire to channel pure, unfiltered energy directly to the listeners. We wanted something expressive, an outburst of anger, maybe even rebellion, something raw enough to create a direct, visceral connection with the audience. Our focus was on honesty, on clarity, on delivering energy in its most transparent form.
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| Tuna Çil |
Serial Metalbums: You’ve released six EPs since 2011, starting with The Harmony of Differences and most Devoted Roots in 2022. How do you see your musical evolution across these releases?
Utku Arslan: To be honest, these are not just recorded and released albums. Each one has its own story, and there have been both good and poorly executed efforts. But that was how it had to be, and it happened. When we adopted the name Angona in 2011, we also changed our style, attempting to create a genre like Symphonic Alaturka Metal. However, so many things changed and so many setbacks occurred. As a result, the band couldn't take many of the steps it wanted to, and I can say that we were not successful in creating that style. This is an open admission. For the journey up until 2022, I can openly say that we experienced and learned a great deal. I look forward to conveying and sharing this with our listeners in our subsequent work.
Serial Metalbums: Which EP do you think best represents your current sound and identity as a band, and why?
Utku Arslan: I can very clearly say the EP 'The Harmony of Differences'. Because that was the work that came closest to the music we had in mind. However, it was a very inexperienced period for us. We were naive. But after that, the work I like the most is the 'Parallel' EP. In terms of quality, it is the peak for me. However, since the band's style is now set to change, the only contribution our past will make to our future is the experience it has given us.
Serial Metalbums: After releasing several EPs, you’re now planning to release a full-length album. Can you tell us more about this project? Are there any themes or stories that will connect the songs on the album?
Tuna Çil: At the moment, we don’t have immediate plans to release a full-length album. Our current focus is on performing live to promote this EP and possibly releasing a few singles along the way. So for now, it’s all about shows and gradually putting out singles in the near future. Maybe eventually we’ll compile those singles into a full album — but as of right now, a full-length record is not on our short term schedule.
Serial Metalbums: What’s your opinion about the progressive metal scene in Turkey today? Do you feel it’s growing or still underrated? How has the Turkish metal community supported Angona throughout the years?
Utku Arslan: There are great bands in Turkey. Economically and socio-economically, there was a period that was not good for our country, a time when the entire nation turned inward. We can say that this period is now over. At least for now. More major bands are able to come, and Turkish bands can make their voices heard more abroad. If I look at it critically, I believe that the competition among bands in Turkey is too high, and this holds the groups back when it comes to supporting each other. I can state this independently of Angona, because Angona has spent its entire career as a band hidden in its own shell due to internal issues and hasn't ventured much outside its own city. Now, the time has come to change this. The career where we will make our voice heard and introduce ourselves to many people is starting now. And we are here with you in this interview at this point. This could be a turning point for us. That's why it's so important. On behalf of myself and our entire band, we thank you and the Serial Metalbums family very much.
