Search - Anathema :: We're Here Because We're Here

Fantastic return for 2010

Forrest Toop | Spokane,WA | 06/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anathema returns in 2010 with an album that is tremendously rich in sound textures, moodscapes and all enveloping introspection. For those hoping for Anathema to return to the heavier sounds of their earlier albums will likely be disappointed as the band has delved even further into the catacombs of reflective, mellower material...but not at all unlike the best of what albums like Judgment, Alternative 4, A Natural Disaster, etc had to offer. Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, No Man) expertly mixed the album and though his genius level "fingerprints" are all over this highly credible work of art, he has managed to leave Anathema's core identity entirely intact. I do detect a slight shift in the lyrical content as a common theme appears to be love and its' associated feeling of "sky flight" yet at the same time, there seems to be a nervous energy present and a dangerous, precarious optimism about it all. In fact, it may indeed be that kind of dangerous euphoria one might experience right before pulling the trigger and blasting one's brains into the infinite hereafter. When the last thing to go through your mind is a bullet, raise your glass with vigor and voice a disdainful, regrettable "cheers" to abrupt unhappy endings. What's your life going to bring???"

Wow.... Almost Spiritual.

Don C | Albany, NY | 06/21/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc takes a few listens. Even for the seasoned Anathema fan like myself. Really like most of their stuff and really thought they ended on a high note with 'A Natural Disaster' which had some incredible moments. I was glad to know they had been working on something new after 'Hindsight', and god knows they took their time. But this disc really is a journey unto itself.



This release is years beyond that one (Natural Disaster). It sounds incredible! Excellently Produced (finally). The brothers producing and Steven Wilson mixing was definitely what this band needed after some not so well produced efforts of past releases. The excellent Vocals on this make it soothing. The female interaction is well done and not overdone. Just listening to tracks like 'Angels Walk Among Us' and 'Dreaming Light' are made whole by the vocal. Very well done. Vincent has come a long long way. Hard to believe this is the same 'Doom' metal band with the harsh vocals years ago. Night and day.



Also, the CD title is brilliant. Fitting. Makes total sense. We are here Because we are Here. No rhyme or reason. It is what we make of the experience. How we live this life and experience it.



It has a good flow to it, it does not bore the listener and is really easy to 'hear' but not to describe. Its best listened to in its entirety. It does have that feel. Its music is so haunting but has almost glimpses of sunlight throughout. Its uneasy but that is what makes you come back for more. It gets better and better the more you hear it. One of the best cd's I have ever experienced, not just heard. And I have been listening to all types of music for 35 years. It is so good you begin to get lost in it when you listen after a while. Its a brilliant, complete work.



Short Breakdown:



'Thin Air' opens and has a similar style as 'Closer' did on 'A Natural Disaster'. That steady, one paced drum beat. But a real punch and good higher pitched vocal. Starts the disc of intensely.



'Summernight Horizon' is a good driving track. Excellent vocals again with a thick Bass sound and Heavy/Light parts. Mystic Piano opening and segmented into the track. Sort of a mystic sound.



'Dreaming Light' is a great stripped down track with Piano / Vocals and light Orchestration. Kind of in the 'Electricity' mode, just smoother and a bit more 'Full' sounding. A really nicely done song. Beautifully sung and could be a major hit. Seriously. Its a beautiful song.



'Everything' is a pretty song with keyboards and slight offbeat drum pattern. The female vocals echoing the main vocal. Gives a nice trippy vibe to the song. Energetic yet rich. I guess it is the 'single' in the UK.



'Angels Walk Among Us' is well done and sounds like the most Floyd inspired tracks on the disc with its heavy closing. (you can almost hear Waters saying 'Mother can you hear me'). Good stuff and a great Vocal interaction and melodies. Very sincere.



'Presence' is just a voice over piece but is interesting and adds to the flow of the disc. Almost a transitional point to the next section. An interlude. The words found in the center of the booklet. Some Vocal passages at the end.



'A Simple Mistake' is a great great song. Light to Heavy that is 8 minutes but seems like 4. I really think this is the discs highest moment and what the band does best. A building song with a good heavier sound at the end. But lyrically it is incredible. Moving. Prog or Porcupine Tree fans should like this type. But its 100% Anathema. ....Its never too late....



'Get Off Get Out' is another Driving track with a haunting midsection and chorus. I say Driving because of its pace because it isn't really Heavy. This is not a Heavy Metal disc whatsoever. A bit progressive, but not Metal. Closer to Porcupine Tree than the band usually ventures. But its great, creepy track.



'Universal' has a strange paced, 'heart' beating sound that is truly mesmerizing. Its a great, droning track that is calm and hauntingly 'airy'.



'Hindsight' ends this with an epic, slow delivery. Great song after a few listens.Instrumental. I must admit it took me a couple to see its brilliance. Almost like the light on the 'other side'..



Obviously I could say more and give more detail as each song is unique, but that's just a taste of my view on this.



No doubt the bands best. After all this time they have hit it 100% on this. So far its the best of 2010 for me. I have waited for a long time and they have delivered. Good to have them back and good to know they have grown in this time.

This release is very 'rich' and should be appreciated more with repeated listens. Highly recommended for any open minded music listener who can spare an hour. And a bit of melancholy is good for the soul. Regular listeners wont get it.



I am sure in will fall under the radar in the US as we still cant seem to promote real music or real emotion in our music. Its a shame, but i hope this is received relatively well as it is an excellent piece of Art. The band should be proud of this release. Its quite an experience.



As for you? Buy it. And experience it.







"

After all these years, their best album??

David Parker | burlington, vermont United States | 07/23/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first caught on to Anathema back when they decided to move from death/goth metal into something resembling a prog-meets-Pink Floyd sound, first found on the "Alternative 4" album. Real good, but then came the excellent "Judgement", which many fans still feel is their true 'masterpiece'. "A fine day to exit" was also very fine, but then came "A natural disaster", which, aptly named, signalled my end of interest in the band for awhile, as it did with many fans. The "Hindsight" album doesn't count as a real studio album, so this new one is the first we've really heard from these guys in about eight years, and was well worth the wait. Trading in almost all vestiges of their gothic/metal past, these new songs echo everybody from latter-day Floyd to Coldplay, and while still being able to rock out in many places, this is a pretty quiet listen at times - very melodic, well-structured proggish rock, replete with piano, lush strings and female voices, that should finally bring some real notice to these guys. If you liked "A fine day to exit", you should find this to be an exemplary and "true" follow-up to that excellent album. The fact that it was mixed by Porcupine Tree's chief Steven Wilson also doesn't hurt a bit!!



P.S. Too bad that in this time of rampant illegal music downloading, this band (and album) is still a victim of the old-school "high-priced import" mentality. Charging nearly $20 for a CD is not the best way to introduce this great album to the American public, who are already in desperate need of discovering truly 'great' new music for a change!!"