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Anyone (band)
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Anyone is a band from Southern California led by Riz Story (Rodolpho Ivan Zahler). They released their 2001 self-titled album on Roadrunner Records.
History
[edit]Story (then aged 26), drummer Taylor Hawkins (20), and Jon Davison (21) met in 1992 and formed a band that Story called Blash Meth. Davison left the band, moving to Seattle and joining Sky Cries Mary in 1993 and later Yes.[1] Guitarist Sean Murphy joined at some stage, while the band changed its name to Sylvia.[2] Hawkins joined Sass Jordan's touring band in 1994 and later the Foo Fighters,[1] and Murphy began to work with bands Magdalen and Divinorum, and pursued a solo career. Story recruited Dave "Nipples" Murray on drums and Static on bass, and the band became Anyone in 1995.[2]
In 1996, Anyone's first demo album Rats Live on no Evil Star (a palindrome) was recorded.[3][non-primary source needed] Anyone was described by Roadrunner Records in 2001 as "the most innovative band of the new millennium!" They were offered the biggest record deal in the label's history up to that point.[4] They released their full-length studio debut Anyone in 2001.[2]
Johnny Ransom replaced Murray as drummer in 2002, and both Ransom and Static were replaced in 2004 by Mike Boano as drummer, Miki Black as guitarist and keyboardist, and Miles Martin on bass.[3][non-primary source needed]
Re-emergence
[edit]The sophomore album Echoes and Traces was released worldwide on September 1, 2014, along with a music video for the first single "Beautiful World".[5][unreliable source?] Five songs from the album are featured in the film and soundtrack for Riz Story's motion picture, A Winter Rose.[6][non-primary source needed]
In 2018, it was announced via the band's official website that a full-length documentary about the band would be released in 2019.[7][non-primary source needed] Plans were also announced for the release of a new album entitled On the Ending Earth.[8][non-primary source needed]
In January 2021, the band released the single "My Death" as a tribute to David Bowie who previously recorded the song.[9][non-primary source needed]
Music
[edit]"Maximum Acid" is the term the press used to describe their sound, as a fusion of hard progressive rock and psychedelia.[10][unreliable source?] Their early sound was described as alternative rock[2] and nu metal.[11]
Discography
[edit]Studio Albums
- Echoes of Man [2CD/Digital] (TogethermenT Records, 2025)
- Miracles In The Nothingness [2CD/Digital] (TogethermenT Records, 2023)
- In Humanity [2CD/Digital] (TogethermenT Records, 2021)
- On the Ending Earth... [CD/Digital] (TogethermenT Records, 2020)
- Echoes and Traces [CD/Digital] (TogethermenT Records, 2016)
- Anyone [CD] (Roadrunner Records, 2001)
Live Albums
- Live Acid - Deluxe Remastered Edition [Digital] (TogethermenT Records, 2020)
- Live Acid [CD] (1999)
Singles
- Only Imagine (TogethermenT Records, 2020) [non-album track from 2000]
- My Death (TogethermenT Records, 2021)
- Traces - The Dream Mix (TogethermenT Records, 2020)
- Chasing Dragons to the Sea (TogethermenT Records, 2020)
- Fly Away (TogethermenT Records, 2016)
- Beautiful World (TogethermenT Records, 2012)
- Don't Wake Me (Roadrunner Records, 2002)
- Whole World's Insane (Roadrunner Records, 2002)
- Real (Roadrunner Records, 2001)
EPs/Demos
- The Sylvia Sessions (TogethermenT Records, 2022) [Demo EP/NFT] [1993 recordings]
- Slow (Remaster) (2021) [demo track from 1996]
- A Little Sip... (2006) [EP]
- Maximum Acid (Roadrunner Records, 2001) [EP/Sampler]
- Mother Superior (2001) [demo track]
- Kissin God (2000) [demo track]
- Rats Live on no Evil Star (Longo Records, 1996) [demo album]
Film
- TogethermenT [Feature Film] (TogethermenT Films, 1999)
- The Story of Maximum Acid [DVD]
References
[edit]- ^ a b https://www.yesworld.com/2024/11/jon-davison-statement-november-2024/
- ^ a b c d https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p430986/biography
- ^ a b "Bio | Anyoneden.net". anyone. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
- ^ "Meep Meep Podcast: Anyone - Anyone (2001) [w/ Riz Story of Anyone, Ryan Shuck of Orgy/Adema, & Kevin Estrada, A&R at Roadrunner Records] on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: ANYONE ~ Beautiful World (Official Video). YouTube.
- ^ A Winter Rose (The Original Soundtrack) by Various Artists, 2016-10-03, retrieved 2022-06-16
- ^ "ANYONE the Movie - in Production". 9 July 2018.
- ^ "The New Album". 3 October 2018.
- ^ "My Death | AnyoneDen.net".
- ^ "UniverCity interview with Anyone". Archived from the original on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2007-08-14.
- ^ Sendra, Tim. "Seek and Destroy: 16 Nu-Metal Extremes Review". Allmusic. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
This compilation from Empire Music indeed features 16 alt-metal tracks from bands who fall into the nu-metal sound.
External links
[edit]
Anyone (band)
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Formation and early history
Origins and initial lineup
Anyone was formed in the early 1990s in Laguna Beach, California, initially under the name Blash Meth, by multi-instrumentalist Riz Story (vocals and guitar), drummer Taylor Hawkins, and keyboardist/vocalist Jon Davison.[6][4][10] The exact formation year is disputed between band members, with Jon Davison stating 1992 (when Story was 26, Hawkins 20, and Davison 21) and Riz Story claiming 1990.[4] This disagreement emerged publicly in November 2024 amid a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Story against Davison and the band Yes, alleging unauthorized use of early Anyone material in Yes's song "Dare to Know"; Davison denied the claims and described the suit as "frivolous."[11][12] Story, who initiated the project, served as the band's primary songwriter and creative leader from its inception.[13][14] The band's initial motivations centered on creating an experimental rock outfit that fused heavy psychedelia with progressive and hard rock elements, drawing inspiration from the vibrant Southern California music scene while carving out a distinct sound that diverged from prevailing local trends.[2] This approach was shaped by the members' prior collaborations in jazz and funk groups, with Hawkins encouraging Story to shift toward a full rock ensemble.[13] In the early 1990s, Blash Meth conducted early rehearsals and captured their foundational sound through initial recording sessions, including material later recognized as some of Hawkins' earliest documented work.[15] The group played local gigs in the Laguna Beach and surrounding Huntington Beach area during this time, building their chemistry before Hawkins left in 1994 to join Sass Jordan's band. Guitarist Sean Murphy had joined the lineup early alongside Story and Hawkins, contributing to this foundational period, but departed around the 1994 split.[16][4][10]Name evolution and early demos
Following the initial formation under the name Blash Meth, the band underwent several name changes amid lineup shifts, transitioning to Sylvia in 1993–1994 after vocalist Jon Davison's departure and following the 1994 split involving drummer Taylor Hawkins and guitarist Sean Murphy.[4][10] These early years marked a period of experimentation, with intermediate names like Real, Sylvia Dreams of Angels, and Cinnamon Wig reflecting the group's evolving creative direction before stabilizing.[10] In 1995, the band renamed itself Anyone, a choice intended to convey a more inclusive and accessible alternative rock identity, distancing from the more esoteric connotations of prior names.[10] To solidify the lineup after the 1994 split, frontman Riz Story recruited drummer David "Nipples" Murray and bassist Damon Buerhaus, establishing a core rhythm section alongside Story on vocals and guitar. Buerhaus was later replaced by bassist Static (real name Timothy Rachal).[10] This configuration recorded their first non-commercial demo, Rats Live on No Evil Star, in 1996 at Longo Records Inc., produced by Riz Story and released independently in a limited run of a few hundred copies.[10][17] The album's title is a palindrome, symbolizing thematic reversals, and features a psychedelic alternative rock sound infused with social commentary on alienation and introspection, as heard in tracks exploring personal and societal disconnection.[10] The full track listing includes:- Giving Thrills (4:46)
- Lose What You Steal (4:09)
- Truth Itch (3:46)
- Kissing God (3:21)
- Moonpull (3:50)
- Undone (Mirror) (5:41)
- Dear Sylvia (3:58)
- Running Dry (3:05)
- Slow (6:29)
- Peace, Love & Toxic (3:11)
- Rats Live on No Evil Star (5:02)
- Slaves (Part 2) (1:08)
- Real (3:32)
- Baby Blue (18:22).[17]
Debut era and major label period
Signing with Roadrunner Records
In the late 1990s, Anyone intensified their independent efforts to secure a major label deal, primarily through persistent demo submissions to record companies and cultivating a dedicated following via live performances in Southern California clubs. Led by frontman Riz Story, the band played frequent gigs in venues across Orange County and Laguna Beach, where their psychedelic rock sets, often featuring elaborate light shows and improvisational elements, drew crowds and generated word-of-mouth buzz among local music scenes. These shows, which sold out regularly and incorporated unique elements like warehouse parties with visual spectacles, helped position Anyone as a rising act in the regional underground.[13][18] By 2000, the band's grassroots momentum attracted interest from several labels, culminating in a signing with Roadrunner Records after competitive bidding. Riz Story's extensive networking within the industry, including personal connections forged through years of scene involvement, played a pivotal role in facilitating the deal, as he actively pitched demos and leveraged live performance footage to showcase the band's innovative sound. This breakthrough came after Anyone had refined their material from earlier independent releases, such as the 1999 Live Acid album, which demonstrated their potential for broader appeal.[13][19] Following the signing, Anyone entered pre-production for their debut album, selecting key tracks from their 1990s repertoire while adapting others to fit Roadrunner's vision. The band chose NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood for the sessions, prioritizing a space that could capture their dense, effects-heavy production style, and collaborated with engineer Rick Parashar to refine arrangements. Initial track selections emphasized high-energy psychedelic numbers, setting the stage for a cohesive major-label release.[13][19] The contract with Roadrunner was a multi-album agreement that highlighted the band's "maximum acid" branding, a term coined to promote their intense, mind-expanding rock aesthetic blending heavy riffs with experimental textures. This promotional angle was integral to the deal, allowing Roadrunner to market Anyone as a fresh, boundary-pushing act in the nu-metal and alternative scenes of the early 2000s. The agreement provided creative control to Story while committing the label to significant marketing support for the upcoming self-titled album.[13]Self-titled album and immediate reception
The self-titled debut album Anyone was recorded across multiple studios, including London Bridge Studio in Seattle, Washington; NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California; Sound Image Studios in Van Nuys, California; and The Anyone Den in Huntington Beach, California.[20] Most tracks were produced by Rick Parashar, with band leader Riz Story handling overall production and mixing duties, while engineer Mudrock contributed additional production on "Hitches" and interludes such as "Slaves (Part 12)."[21] Released in August 2001 through Roadrunner Records, the album comprises 16 tracks blending nu metal aggression with art rock experimentation.[22] Key songs include the opener "Giving Thrills," which exemplifies the band's high-energy riffs and dynamic shifts; "Don't Wake Me," featuring intense vocal deliveries; and "Lazy Hazy," incorporating more atmospheric, psychedelic textures.[22] The full track listing is: 1. "Giving Thrills"; 2. "Don't Wake Me"; 3. "Lazy Hazy"; 4. "Whole World's Insane"; 5. "Hitches"; 6. "Slaves (Part 12)"; 7. "Real"; 8. "Fly"; 9. "Turnaround"; 10. "Running Dry"; 11. "Drops of Miracle"; 12. "She"; 13. "Peace Love & Toxic"; 14. "Dear Sylvia"; 15. "Kissing God"; and 16. "Wait Until Morning."[22] Initial reception was largely positive among critics, earning a rare five-star rating from Rolling Stone's Adrian Zupp, who praised its ambitious fusion of styles.[23] The album garnered acclaim in the European music press for its raw energy and innovative sound, with Billboard highlighting the lead single "Giving Thrills" for alternative radio play.[23] Commercially, however, it achieved modest visibility, receiving limited airplay on alternative stations before Roadrunner pulled it from distribution shortly after the September 11 attacks, restricting overall sales and exposure.[23]Hiatus and re-emergence
Mid-2000s lineup changes and inactivity
Following the release of their self-titled debut album in 2001, Anyone's touring schedule was severely limited to a handful of U.S. performances, hampered by the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, which prompted Roadrunner Records to drop the band and render the album commercially unavailable.[13] This sudden loss of label support contributed to mounting internal challenges and marked the onset of the band's extended period of inactivity. The band experienced lineup changes in the early 2000s, including shifts among drummers such as Dave Murray and Johnny Ransom.[10] By 2004, further lineup shifts occurred as Story assembled a refreshed ensemble featuring Mike Boano on drums, Miki Black on guitar and keyboards, and Miles Martin on bass, with the intent to resume recording activities.[10] These efforts yielded brief sessions that resulted in the limited EP A Little Sip in 2006 but ultimately stalled due to logistical hurdles and waning momentum.[24] The band's hiatus deepened through the mid-2000s, driven primarily by the collapse of major-label backing and Story's pivot toward solo musical explorations and filmmaking projects, including the production of tracks under his own name.[10] External commitments among members further fragmented the lineup, exacerbating the inactivity. By 2006, the band effectively disbanded, though Story retained control of the group's rights and intellectual property, with no major new material until the 2010s.[10]Revival in the 2010s and 2020s
Following a period of inactivity in the mid-2000s, Anyone experienced a revival beginning in 2016, marked by renewed creative output from leader Riz Story. The band released their sophomore album, Echoes and Traces, on October 5, 2016, via independent distribution, shifting toward a more introspective alternative rock sound.[25] Five tracks from the album were incorporated into the original soundtrack for A Winter Rose, a 2016 film written and directed by Story, enhancing the project's multimedia reach.[14] In 2018, the band announced plans for a full-length documentary titled Anyone - The Movie, intended to chronicle their history and set for release in 2019; as of 2025, the project remains unreleased and unresolved.[26] This announcement preceded the release of their third studio album, On the Ending Earth..., on August 21, 2020, through TogethermenT Records, which blended psychedelic and progressive elements in a 13-track collection exceeding one hour in length.[27] The 2020s saw sustained momentum with a series of ambitious releases under Story's direction. In Humanity, a double concept album, followed on October 12, 2021, earning praise from progressive rock outlets for its intricate compositions.[28] Miracles in the Nothingness, another double album, arrived on November 30, 2023, continuing the exploratory thematic depth.[29] The decade's output culminated in Echoes of Man, a double concept album released on March 21, 2025, via TogethermenT Records, lauded in reviews for its virtuoso musicianship and cinematic scope.[30] The death of founding drummer Taylor Hawkins on March 25, 2022, prompted tributes from the band, including the EP The Sylvia Sessions in June 2022, which featured his earliest known studio recordings from the 1990s. Recent activities have centered on independent production through TogethermenT Records, with 2025 reviews highlighting the progressive sophistication of Echoes of Man as a "superb achievement" and "masterpiece."[31] The band's visibility has grown via streaming platforms, where albums like Echoes of Man have garnered increased plays and listener engagement in progressive rock circles.[32]Musical style and artistry
Genres and influences
Anyone (band) is primarily known for its fusion of hard progressive rock and psychedelia, a style the band and critics have branded as "maximum acid." This sound emerged in the band's early years as a blend of heavy psychedelia, hard rock, and progressive elements, setting it apart from the dominant Southern California alternative scene of the time.[10] The term "maximum acid" encapsulates the intense, riff-driven intensity combined with expansive, mind-altering sonic explorations that defined their 1990s output.[10] Key influences on Anyone's music draw from 1970s progressive rock pioneers such as Yes and Pink Floyd, alongside classic rock icons like Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Rush, as well as the alternative edge of Jane's Addiction.[10] These inspirations are evident in the band's complex song structures, virtuosic instrumentation, and thematic depth, with frontman Riz Story citing them as foundational to the group's eclectic approach. Early works incorporated alternative rock and hard rock riffs with psychedelic undertones, reflecting the grunge and metal currents of the era, though the band avoided direct imitation of nu metal trends.[33] In the 2020s, Anyone's sound evolved under Story's solo leadership toward more symphonic progressive rock, incorporating cinematic orchestration and atmospheric soundscapes while retaining core psychedelic and hard rock foundations.[30] Albums like In Humanity (2021) pushed the boundaries of "maximum acid" with avant-garde complexity and improvisational flair, drawing praise for its "high octane prog rock" and intricate arrangements.[34] This shift introduced broader elements such as art pop and indie influences, creating immersive, conceptual works that expand the original vision into what Story describes as "cinematic rock."[30] Riz Story's songwriting remains the driving force, characterized by an eclectic method rooted in personal introspection and surreal, existential themes, often evoking sci-fi-like contemplations of human existence.[10] His multi-instrumental virtuosity allows for stylistic versatility, from tribal rhythms in early live performances to orchestral swells in recent recordings, ensuring the band's sound continues to innovate within its progressive framework.[10]Thematic elements and evolution
Anyone's lyrical content has consistently explored profound philosophical and existential questions, reflecting the human condition through introspective and often dark narratives. In their early work, such as the 2001 self-titled album, themes of insanity and fractured reality dominate, as evident in tracks like "Whole World's Insane," which critiques societal madness and personal disorientation, and "Real," questioning the nature of existence amid confusion and despair.[35][36] These motifs draw from existentialist ideas, portraying individuals grappling with isolation and the absurdity of modern life, a style that aligns with the band's raw, aggressive sound of the era.[23] Over time, the band's lyrics evolved toward broader concerns of environmentalism and spirituality, particularly in their revival period. The 2025 album Echoes of Man, a double concept album, delves into humanity's collapse in a post-apocalyptic world, examining themes of ecological ruin, isolation, memory, and spiritual solace through elements like an AI entity named "Eve" and requiem-like reflections on angels and redemption; the themes were co-developed through Story's conversations with an AI.[37][38] This shift represents a maturation in thematic ambition, moving from personal turmoil to collective human echoes and the search for meaning in a dying planet, as conceptualized in the album's narrative of survival after a plague-like catastrophe.[39] Musically, Anyone's sound progressed from the raw, riff-driven hard rock and psychedelia of their 2001 debut—characterized by heavy guitars and intense energy influenced by acts like Rush—to a more layered, cinematic progressive rock style by the 2020s.[10] Post-2010s releases, such as In Humanity (2021), incorporated extensive keyboards, atmospheric effects, and experimental soundscapes, enhancing the prog elements with Tool-like intensity and Yes-inspired drama, while maintaining hooks for accessibility.[6] This evolution culminated in Echoes of Man, featuring epic, multi-part compositions up to 18 minutes long, blending doom riffs with orchestral depth and virtuoso instrumentation performed entirely by frontman Riz Story.[37] Production techniques mirrored this artistic growth, transitioning from collaborative, major-label sessions in the early 2000s—recorded at professional studios like London Bridge with producer Rick Parashar—to DIY solo efforts in the revival era, where Story handled all aspects from composition to mixing.[10] Later albums embraced guest musicians for added orchestral layers, such as piano contributions in On the Ending Earth (2020), resulting in polished, immersive soundtracks that amplify the conceptual narratives.[10] Critics have noted this progression as increasingly ambitious, with Echoes of Man hailed as a "virtuoso prog masterpiece" for its bold execution and technical prowess, though some point to occasional vocal strain amid its nearly two-hour runtime.[40][37]Band members
Current members
As of 2025, the active lineup of Anyone centers on founder Riz Story, who serves as lead vocalist, guitarist, bassist, multi-instrumentalist, primary songwriter, producer, and the sole continuous member since the band's evolution from the precursor group 'Blash Meth' formed in 1992. Story has driven the project's revivals, performing all instruments, composition, mixing, and mastering on recent releases, including the ambitious double concept album Echoes of Man (2025), which explores themes of environmental collapse through progressive rock arrangements. His multi-instrumental approach underscores his role in shaping the band's cinematic sound, with contributions emphasizing intricate layering and virtuoso execution.[10][4] While Anyone has historically featured rotating supporting musicians for live performances and earlier recordings, the post-2010s output relies primarily on Story's solo vision, supplemented by select guests rather than a fixed ensemble. Notable collaborators include Jon Davison of Yes, a member of the 1992 precursor band who rejoined briefly in 2004 and has provided lead vocals and fretless bass as a guest on albums such as On the Ending Earth (2020), In Humanity (2021), and Miracles in the Nothingness (2023), adding harmonic depth and collaborative input to arrangements. Other occasional contributors, like bassist Miles Martin on On the Ending Earth, have appeared on specific tracks but do not form part of a stable touring or recording core.[41][42][43][44][45] This structure, solidified around Story since the mid-2010s, has enabled consistent output and touring flexibility, with the core stability rooted in his unwavering leadership amid past lineup flux. Recent efforts like Echoes of Man highlight Story's integrated role in blending orchestral elements and rock dynamics, fostering the band's evolution without reliance on permanent additional members.[38][46]Former members
Anyone's former members played pivotal roles in shaping the band's early sound and evolution, particularly during its formative years in the early 1990s. Taylor Hawkins served as the drummer from the precursor band's formation in 1992 until 1994, co-founding 'Blash Meth' alongside Riz Story and Jon Davison in Laguna Beach, California, and contributing to the development of its "Maximum Acid" style through energetic drumming on early demos like those from 1993 later compiled and released in The Sylvia Sessions (2022). Hawkins' departure in 1994 to join Alanis Morissette's touring band marked a significant shift, as his dynamic percussion had anchored the group's initial progressive and rock fusion experiments; following his stint with Morissette, he became the longtime drummer for Foo Fighters from 1997 until his death on March 25, 2022, from a cardiovascular collapse in Bogotá, Colombia. In tribute, Anyone released The Sylvia Sessions in 2022, featuring Hawkins' earliest known studio recordings, highlighting his foundational impact on the band's raw, ambitious origins.[47] Jon Davison, another early member of the 1992 precursor band, handled keyboards and vocals from 1992 to the early 1990s, infusing the band's nascent compositions with progressive rock sensibilities drawn from his influences, which later echoed in Anyone's thematic depth and melodic structures. His early contributions to demos helped establish the group's blend of art rock and psychedelia before he pursued solo and collaborative projects; since 2012, Davison has been the lead vocalist for Yes, where his countertenor range and songwriting have sustained the band's progressive legacy across albums like The Quest (2021). In a November 2024 statement, Davison disputed being a founding member of Anyone, stating that he, Hawkins, and Story formed 'Blash Meth' in 1992 and that he left before the band's evolution into Anyone. The success of both Hawkins and Davison in major acts like Foo Fighters and Yes has retrospectively amplified interest in Anyone's catalog, drawing new audiences to its obscure early works and underscoring how these departures redirected the band's trajectory toward more streamlined rock during its Roadrunner era.[4] Sean Murphy joined as guitarist in the early 1990s, contributing to the unreleased 1994 album demos that captured the band's experimental phase before its first major lineup overhaul. His tenure, overlapping with Hawkins, added textural guitar layers to the "Maximum Acid" sound, though specific post-departure activities remain undocumented in available records. David "Nipples" Murray took over on drums in the mid-1990s, providing the backbone for releases like Rats Live on No Evil Star (late 1990s) and the self-titled debut album (2001), which solidified Anyone's heavier, alternative rock direction after the early members' exits; Murray was replaced in 2002.[10] Johnny Ransom briefly drummed for the band in 2002, supporting live performances during a transitional period of inactivity and lineup flux. Mike Boano handled drums from 2004 through the mid-2010s, appearing on the EP A Little Sip (2006) and contributing to sporadic shows amid the band's hiatus; his steady rhythms helped maintain cohesion during this dormant phase. Other contributors during this era included bassist/guitarist "Static" (Timothy Rachal, late 1990s–2004, who played on Live Acid in 1999) and, for the 2001 self-titled album, guitarist Gretchen Menn and Korn drummer David Silveria (on "Beautiful World"). These mid-2000s changes reflected Anyone's adaptation to reduced activity, ultimately paving the way for its revival under a core duo. The collective departures of early and interim members influenced sound shifts from prog-infused experimentation to more accessible rock, while their individual achievements have sustained Anyone's cult following.[10][5]Discography
Studio albums
The band's early independent release, Live Acid, was issued in 1999 via TogethermenT Records, featuring 12 live tracks that captured their initial "maximum acid" style with heavy riffs and experimental energy.[48] The band's debut studio album, Anyone, was released on September 18, 2001, by Roadrunner Records, featuring 10 tracks that emphasized a nu metal sound with aggressive riffs and electronic elements.[49] Key tracks included "Underdog" and "Second Sun," which showcased the band's innovative blend of heavy grooves and melodic hooks. Despite the positive reception, the album achieved only modest commercial sales, remaining available primarily through fan trading networks rather than mainstream reissues.[23] After a period of inactivity, Anyone returned with Echoes and Traces, an independent release on September 1, 2016, via TogethermenT Records, marking a shift toward progressive rock with 14 tracks spanning 58 minutes and incorporating orchestral and atmospheric layers.[50] Standout tracks such as "Fly Away" and "Beautiful World" highlighted the album's melodic introspection and filmic quality, often tied to thematic visuals in promotional materials. Critics noted its evolution from the debut's aggression to more expansive songwriting, receiving solid reviews for its emotional depth, though it maintained a niche audience without major commercial breakthrough.[25] On the Ending Earth..., released on August 28, 2020, by TogethermenT Records, is a 13-track concept album exploring apocalyptic themes through progressive structures, clocking in at over 70 minutes with intricate instrumentation led by Riz Story's multi-instrumental performance.[51] Key tracks like the atmospheric "Fade to Black," the psychedelic "Die with Me," and the epic title closer emphasized environmental collapse and human fragility, drawing comparisons to Rush in their nuanced dynamics.[52] The album garnered critical praise for its ambitious sound expansion and thematic cohesion, with reviewers highlighting its role in the band's revival, though sales remained limited to prog rock circles.[53] In response to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, In Humanity arrived as a double-disc set on October 12, 2021, via TogethermenT Records, comprising 13 tracks over 101 minutes that delved into introspective lyrics on resilience and societal reflection within a progressive framework.[54] Notable songs included the art rock-infused "The Last Human" and extended pieces like "Ashes to Ashes," blending early King Crimson influences with modern orchestration for a contemplative tone.[55] Critics lauded it as an excellent, cohesive work with no weak moments, appreciating its originality and emotional weight as a pinnacle of the band's post-revival output, though it achieved recognition primarily within progressive music communities.[56] Miracles in the Nothingness, a 14-track double album released on November 30, 2023, by TogethermenT Records, pushed experimental progressive boundaries over 121 minutes, meditating on existence and cosmic voids through virtuosic, multi-layered compositions.[57] Highlights encompassed "Children of the Void" for its intense atmospheres, "My Name Is Forever" with romantic piano cascades, and "Extinction Event" as a divine, evolving epic, showcasing Riz Story's one-man orchestration.[58] The release earned widespread critical praise for its ambition and strength, with reviewers calling it a compelling panorama of alluring futurism, solidifying Anyone's reputation in prog rock despite modest commercial reach.[59] Culminating the band's trajectory, Echoes of Man, a symphonic progressive double album, was issued on March 21, 2025, by TogethermenT Records, featuring 12 tracks across 116 minutes that weave a cinematic narrative of human legacy and machine uprising.[60] Pivotal tracks such as "If Your World Should Fall," the labyrinthine "Still, They Dream of Angels" with Eastern tinges, and the title track delivered heavy, technical prowess evoking Tool's depth, performed entirely by Riz Story.[31] Hailed as a career peak and one of the decade's top progressive albums, it received widespread acclaim for its virtuoso ambition, immersive storytelling, and bold execution, marking a high point in critical and artistic impact.[40]Singles, EPs, and demos
Anyone's early output included several demos that laid the groundwork for their sound during the band's formation in the mid-1990s. The most notable is the 1996 demo Rats Live on No Evil Star, recorded and self-released on Longo Records Inc. This collection featured 14 tracks, including "Giving Thrills," "Slow...," and "Kissing God," showcasing a raw grunge and alternative metal style that previewed elements of their self-titled debut album. Although not widely distributed commercially, the demo captured the band's initial experimentation with heavy riffs and introspective lyrics, serving as a foundational artifact in their discography.[17] In the revival period of the 2010s and 2020s, Anyone issued a series of singles through TogethermenT Records, often as standalone releases or precursors to albums, aimed at streaming platforms and radio promotion. Key examples include "Fly Away" (2016), a melodic hard rock track emphasizing the band's renewed energy; "Chasing Dragons to the Sea" (2020), which blended progressive elements with atmospheric production; and "My Death" (2021), a cover of Jacques Brel's song originally popularized by David Bowie, released as a tribute following Bowie's passing. These singles highlighted the band's evolution toward more polished, thematic songwriting while reconnecting with fans during their comeback. "Slow (Remaster)" (2021) was also released as a remastered version of a 1996 demo track, bridging their early work with contemporary audiences.[61][62] The band has also produced EPs focused on archival and tribute material. The Sylvia Sessions (2022, TogethermenT Records) is a five-track EP compiling 1990s recordings featuring early drummer Taylor Hawkins, released as a tribute after his death. Including tracks like "Dear Sylvia" and other formative pieces, it provides historical insight into the band's origins with detailed liner notes on the sessions. This release underscored Anyone's archival approach, preserving their pre-debut material for modern listeners.[63][64]| Release Type | Title | Year | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demo | Rats Live on No Evil Star | 1996 | Longo Records Inc. | 14 tracks; preview of debut sound; limited distribution. |
| Single | "Fly Away" | 2016 | TogethermenT Records | Promotional single during revival. |
| Single | "Chasing Dragons to the Sea" | 2020 | TogethermenT Records | Standalone streaming release. |
| Single | "My Death" | 2021 | TogethermenT Records | Tribute cover; 6-minute runtime. |
| Single/Demo Remaster | "Slow (Remaster)" | 2021 | TogethermenT Records | Remastered from 1996 demo. |
| EP | The Sylvia Sessions | 2022 | TogethermenT Records | 5 tracks; 1990s archival recordings with Taylor Hawkins; NFT edition available. |