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Contents: Anathema, the standard-bearer of intelligent modern progressive metal, is releasing their first new album in two years in Japan! A unique soundscape that sublimates delicacy and lyricism, grandeur and passion at a high level! [Japan pre-release / Lyrics and translations included / Japanese liner notes included] *For this release, the band name will be written in katakana as "Anathema" to be closer to the pronunciation. Formed in 1990 and debuting in 1992 on Peaceville Records, Anathema reigned as a representative presence in the 1990s UK underground gothic metal scene, along with label mates such as My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost. After releasing four albums from Peaceville, they moved to Music for Nations, and around this time they began to incorporate alternative/post-rock elements, gradually shifting to a more modern sound with less metal influence. When Music for Nations closed its label in 2004, there was a period when new releases ceased. However, during that time, they continued to tour intermittently and developed a style of activity that did not pander to labels. In 2008, they released "Hindsight," their first album in about five years, on Kscope, run by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, and have continued to release works energetically through Kscope ever since. Their works released on Kscope are as follows: 2008 Hindsight *Acoustic album 2010 We're Here Because We're Here 2011 Falling Deeper *Orchestral album 2012 Weather Systems 2013 Universal/Untouchable *Live album/video work In stark contrast to the period when releases were stagnant, they have recently been very active in releasing music and touring. Thanks to these efforts, 'Weather Systems' charted in various European countries, and live attendance has been increasing, especially in Eastern and Northern Europe. Nearly 25 years after the band's formation, it's fair to say that they are currently at their peak, both musically and in terms of popularity. And in 2014, approximately two years after 'Weather Systems,' they released their new album, 'Distant Satellites.' Like their recent works released on Kscope, the sound features a magnificent orchestra and can truly be described as symphonic prog. However, they not only blend vintage progressive rock and hard rock, but also alternative, post-rock, emo, and shoegaze elements, and their sense of bringing it all together with mellow melodies that never succumb to saccharine sentimentality is truly unique. What is particularly noticeable in the latter half of this album is the significant introduction of industrial/IDM/sound-based elements, which make extensive use of programmed beats, alongside the lyrical melodies. In that sense, one of the highlights is that they are challenging themselves to explore new territory while making the most of their characteristic lyrical sound. This is the first time Anathema's work has been released in Japan in about 13 years, since "A Fine Day To Exit" (2001). Their sound has changed dramatically during that time, but with their sound that is at the forefront of 21st-century progressive rock, they are sure to gain new fans in Japan as well. [Members] Vincent Kavanaugh (Vocals/Programming/Synthesizer) / Daniel Kavanaugh (Piano/Guitar/Synthesizer/Vocals) / Jamie Kavanaugh (Bass) / John Douglas (Percussion/Programming/Synthesizer/Drums) / Lee Douglas (Vocals) / Daniel Cardoso (Drums) Media reviews and more This is the first album in two years (as of 2014) from Anathema, the modern progressive band that Britain is proud of. This album, their first in 13 years as a Japanese domestic release, features a magnificent orchestra and presents a unique soundscape that elevates delicacy and lyricism, grandeur and passion to a high level. (C)RS
