Two years ago, UK alt-rock band Anathema released their ninth studio album, Weather Systems. To this day, it is an album that I will revisit with great frequency. The opening half of the album is nothing short of heartbreaking, with some of the most poignant and powerful lyrics I’ve heard in a long time. The second half breaks away, creating a series of songs that act almost like an affirmation of the beauty of life and all that it offers, even in the midst of pain.
Now, the band has released their follow up in the form of Distant Satellites, a 10-track album that furthers the evolution of the band, from their beginnings in doom metal to the current electronic-infused rock that they just released. But is this release as strong as their past few releases or has it faltered and failed to reach the same heights? Read on for my thoughts.
Listening to the first few tracks of the album, I was struck by how much it reminded me of the opening tracks on Weather Systems. Both began with a track that built to soaring crescendos (“Untouchable Pt. 1” vs. “The Lost Song Part 1”), ultimately fading out before entering a “sequel” track that utilized elements of its predecessor in a more mellow manner (“Untouchable Pt. 2” vs. “The Lost Song Part 2”).
The third track on the album “Dusk (Dark Is Descending)” continued that pattern, reminding me strongly of the combined structures of “The Gathering Of The Clouds” and “Lightning Song”.
“Ariel” reminded me of their eighth studio album, We’re Here Because We’re Here. It’s a soft track, heavily reliant upon the piano, with simple, lovely melodies. As with many of their tracks, it dynamically builds before gently releasing the listener with a soft fade, like slipping into a soft slumber.
As the album progresses, more and more electronic influences start peeking out from behind the curtain, often times drawing them back entirely for a full revelation. Tracks like “You’re Not Alone” and “Distant Satellites” are punctuated with sharp, static programmed loops.
“Anathema” is an intensely beautiful song that echoes with pain and heartache. The end result is a song that is wholly befitting of bearing the band’s name, demonstrating elements throughout the entirety of their career.
The Final Word: While I have extolled many of the virtues that Distant Satellites has to offer, I must admit that the album didn’t grab me by the throat the same way that Weather Systems did. It’s a strong album that will get many replays but my admittedly astronomical expectations were not met.
