Prepare for a wonderful musical storm when Anathema's "Weather Systems" hits.

For years now, I’ve felt that Anathema is one of the best bands around today. Formed in Liverpool two decades ago, the group has spent the last twenty or so years perfecting their unique blend of emotionally charged and musically complex songwriting. As clichéd as it may sound, they truly reinvent their music with every new album (much like the Beatles did 40+ years ago). Their last official studio album, 2010’s We’re Here Because We’re Here, set a new benchmark for modern day music; not only is it their best album by far, but it’s arguably one of the greatest albums ever made. While last year’s Falling Deeper (which saw the band reimagining their earlier, more death metal focused material into their present day aesthetic) was also brilliant, naturally, it didn’t satisfy the need for a true follow-up to WHBWH.

 Luckily, fans will soon have a new gem to add to their collection; on April 16th, the wait will end and their ninth album, Weather Systems, will begin.

According to the band’s official website, the songs on Weather Systems are “"not background music for parties. The music is written to deeply move the listener, to uplift or take the listener to the coldest depths of the soul." The group goes on say that "intertwining melodic structures of these profoundly beautiful songs are intensely powerful, yet simple. These are songs that will transport the listener closer to the heart of life, that is to say, to the heart of themselves.” Along with brothers Vincent and Daniel Cavanagh, the album will be produced by Christer André Cederberg (Animal Alpha, In the Woods..., and Stille Opprør).

Interestingly, Weather Systems seems to be the third part in a multi-album theme/concept, as its cover has a lot in common with the artwork for both WHBWH and Falling Deeper. Undoubtedly, the record will build upon the angelic production and affective harmonies of its predecessors, and Vincent recently told me that “I’m really into this one. It’s out best work so far, no doubt.” That’s quite a bold statement, but if the band has proven anything in recent years, it’s that they’re capable of surpassing expectations with ever new release.

Be sure to check out the full track list below, and keep an eye out for my review of Weather Systems, as well as a follow-up interview with Vincent. If you missed our first conversation back in 2010, you can read it here. 

1. "Untouchable, Part 1"
2. "Untouchable, Part 2"
3. "The Gathering of the Clouds"
4. "Lightning Song"
5. "Sunlight"
6. "The Storm Before the Calm"
7. "The Beginning and the End"
8. "The Lost Child"
9. "Internal Landscapes