### Anathema: A natural disaster

#### 25/05/10 || Altmer

The musical entity known as Anathema is a story in itself. Most people within metal circles regard them highly as the progenitors of a death/doom style of gothic metal, which is indeed their roots. But nowadays they have left that old era of bygone music far away and have transformed into a band that, dare I say, transcends metal music – in fact this album is barely even metal anymore. In fact the only thing still connecting this band to metal is the fact they shared band members with a bunch of other bands in the scene and the fact that occasionally, distorted guitars crop up in their music, as a frivolous nod to their metal roots.

But they are still better than any current band out there at this moment in time, and hear me out when I say that I really, really mean this. Anathema know what it takes to write a song, which is funny because they immerse themselves in atmosphere (no, that’s not a layer of keys over your black metal). Anathema seem to enjoy things like Pink Floyd (always a plus), Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Radiohead, and a variety of other things. In fact, you’d expect that with influences like this, the pretto machine of prog rock would rear its ugly head. But rest assured, it doesn’t. This sextet know exactly what they are doing and it is refreshing to hear a band do something new with prog influences, as well as work them into proper, full-grown songs.

So, what does this sound like? It’s pretty much atmospheric rock. The band use the traditional rock instrumentarium of guitars/bass/vocals/drums/keys, and pretty much integrate them in such a way that you get rock tunes that sound like pulsating colours over washing shores. This album makes me think of rivers flowing. It makes me think of seashores washing over a beach. It’s quiet, serene music for people who aren’t New Age enough to like Enya but just want to relax. In fact, I play this album when I’m moody and trying to relax. Don’t worry, that’s not in an emo bromance way while cutting myself with scissors. It’s just music that you can put on easily and enjoy while sitting having a fine cup of wine trying to get away from the hassle of human life.

Does this mean that Anathema have forgotten how to rock out? No, they haven’t, because the driving and ferocious “Pulled under at 2000 metres a second” is the last nod to their metal roots, with driving bass, pulsating rhythm guitars and frantic vocals by Vincent Cavanagh. He feels like he’s on the edge of despair here, a rarity to find some of that much needed actual emotion in rock music. I love that even with a driving, intense track they find room to make the music breathe and have space. Anathema songs don’t have that congested feel that many modern metal bands employ – like there’s too many things going on. Anathema DOES have many things going on, yet at the same time, but it feels like every instrument has a place within that whole and it also feels like a song instead of noodling. I dig that very much.

Many modern bands today that used to delve in the deep dark recesses of extreme metal have softened up their sound, and become gay, or bad, or whatever. An example is Paradise Lost’s synthpop phase. But this band were never a particularly good metal outfit – once they found their rock niche, they finally sounded like they were at home with what they did. If you’re just a full-blown metalhead who needs growls, you won’t like this either. But if you enjoy sitting back and seeing how bands retain their artistic integrity and perform better while doing it, just put on “Flying” from this album and enjoy the ride. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen a band mature as well as these guys while moving away from the metal spectrum instead of into it and that’s the best compliment I can give to a band like this. By actually being progressive with their music, Anathema have won me over and made me a fan for life. There rests only one thing to say: if you like this, then also check out “Judgement”, as that may be their finest hour altogether. This album would be second and it’s still amazing beyond belief.

Recommendation: Stay as is, you’re doing nothing but wonderful music.

- Information
- Released: 2003
- Label: Music for Nations
- Website: www.anathema.ws
- Band
- Danny Cavanagh: vocals, guitar, keyboards
- Vincent Cavanagh: lead vocals, guitars
- Les Smith: keyboards
- Lee Douglas: female vocals
- Jamie Cavanagh: bass
- John Douglas: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Harmonium
- 02. Balance
- 03. Closer
- 04. Are You There?
- 05. Childhood Dream
- 06. Pulled Under at 2000 Metres a Second
- 07. A Natural Disaster
- 08. Flying
- 09. Electricity
- 10. Violence