June 22, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Anathema seemed to make a huge mistake back in 1996 by seemingly discarding its doom/death metal roots in favor of a more commercial sound. Judgment, the brilliant masterpiece from 2000, is honestly one of the best albums this writer has ever heard from the metal genre, no matter how you might classify the band’s sound during and after that period. I’d certainly say they went the way of Porcupine Tree or Opeth-light, which is not a bad change by any stretch. In fact, I’m more impressed with the band’s later output as opposed to the Crestfallen EP back in 1992, which is also still very good. The change was drastic, even criminal to some, but all for the better. Some call the band’s sound atmospheric rock, and that’s okay if labels get one through the day. Any way you choose to define Anathema, the overall consensus is that they’re one of the better bands out there today and the latest release proves this.

Mixed by Steven Wilson and mastered by Jon Astley (whose notable work was with two little bands called Led Zeppelin and The Who) We’re Here Because We’re Here is quite the addition to the band’s resume. The CD opens with “Thin Air”, a track that might have been a leftover from Judgment in its brilliant, haunting musical simplicity. The Cavanagh brothers make Oasis look like Hanson in an already-impressive line of releases that get better and seemingly stronger with the passing years. “Summernight Horizon” has the perfect amount of heaviness coupled with a tune that’s also easily accessible to those outside our beloved genre. That’s just the tip of a musical iceberg that has some moments of absolute brilliance and serenity (“Dreaming Light”, “A Simple Mistake”). I’m not in complete understanding mode when I hear the myriad of metal fans that simply don’t get this later Anathema, but it’s ultimately their loss. There is some wonderful music to be heard here.

I love “Dreaming Light”, which sounds like a radio-friendly love song, yet anyone with a knowledge of Anathema (and particularly the Cavanaghs’ lyrical treasure chest) knows well that this line of creation is what Anathema is about and it can’t be denied. While bands like Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride helped early Anathema form that “death-doom” sound, the fork in the road was the obvious detour Anathema chose to venture upon without looking back. Hardly even close to a sellout, We’re Here Because We’re Here is the most natural progression for a band that has such gifted, yet widely accessible music. I’m usually a strong proponent of keeping the unworthy out of our scene in my brazen elitism, but Anathema should be heard by anyone and everyone. 

Much like the classics Judgment and A Natural Disaster the latest offering is a cornucopia of atmosphere and progressive elements. Vincent Cavanagh’s vocals are a strong, versatile presence on all of the records since Darren White’s departure after the Pentecost III EP. The progression from his departure has been as subtly drastic as it can get. We’re Here also calls upon some of the classic 70’s prog bands with its melancholy passages and “bright” musical introspection. My favorite track is “A Simple Mistake” because Vincent’s vocals soar over the total earth with some of the more beautiful lyrics I’ve read in a while:






The beauty and sincere emotions you might feel while ingesting this album will only make it one of the albums you’ll continuously look to for those moments of insecurity and loss to help you through.

This latest Anathema record is an absolute must-hear and will be in my Top 10 at year’s end I’m sure. It’s amazing…just mesmerizing and amazing.  

Release Date: May 31st, 2010
Label: Kscope Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Thin Air
2.  Summernight Horizon
3.  Dreaming Light
4.  Everything
5.  Angels Walk Among Us
6.  Presence
7.  A Simple Mistake
8.  Get Off, Get Out
9.  Universal
10.  Hindsight

Total playing time: 60:26

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Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here

“...Time can be the answer, take a chance, lose it all
It's a simple mistake to make to create love and to fall
So rise and be your master you don't need to be a slave
of memory ensnared in a web, in a cage-“

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