Reviewer: Peter

In the last decade, Anathema has undergone a transformation from a doom metal band to an atmospheric progressive rock band.  This style change has had a polarizing effect on fans old and new, as the older fans tune out the band’s newer material while the newer fans embrace what the band is doing.  With a new album in We’re Here Because We’re Here (try saying that three times fast), this will hold true, as it is more of an easy listening exercise that Anathema did on A Natural Disaster than anything on The Silent Enigma.

On We’re Here Because We’re Here, Anathema takes their atmospheric rock to a new level, as they seem to have everything in place.  Of course, this isn’t obvious on first listen, as with some listeners, it inspires boredom and the occasional nodding off to sleep feelings, so right away, patience and a stick-to-itiveness are important in listening to this album.  The album cover is vibrant, and the calm scenery is a good indication of what Anathema offers to the listener in terms of music.  The vocals of Vincent Cavanaugh are calming, yet full of emotion, and are complimented by the female vocals of Lee Douglas, which is evidenced on “Summernight Horizon” and “Everything.”  Most people will cringe at the idea of Ville Valo contributing vocals for any album, but his contribution on “Angels Walk Among Us” is actually not too bad and doesn’t get in the way of Cavanaugh’s vocals.  The guitars are rich, even though they decidedly take a back seat in the proceedings.  This is offset though, by the keyboards, which help to amplify the guitar sounds a little.  At some point though, there may be a few listeners that will think that Pink Floyd is heavier than what is on We’re Here Because We’re Here, but given that Pink Floyd made a living of making soothing, atmospheric music and Anathema has only found their style in the last decade of their existence, it is unfair to truly lump Anathema with Pink Floyd at this point in the former’s existence.

The line between fans of the older Anathema material and fans of the band’s newer material becomes better defined with We’re Here Because We’re Here.  Those brave enough to cross the line will find some rather interesting material on the album, and who knows, it may cause the listener to call for a campfire in the woods.  Patience is the key to enjoying the album, as it is a major adjustment, especially when it is from something as harsh and sometimes flashy as metal music.   Just be sure to have some caffeine on hand if you’re prone to falling asleep often.

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

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Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here

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

June 22, 2010