In their latest work, Anathema creates somber, almost earthly sounds comparitable to New Age music within their doomy styled metal. From the start don’t expect a guitar assault because this is not your regular everyday album or approach to creating metal music. Opener “Harmonium” clearly sets the stage. The band has gone in a direction that is more for art sake than heavy metal thunder.

In the track “Are You There?” and “Childhood Dream” which has some very peaceful acoustic guitars, both are very good examples of their delving into a serene world. “Pulled Under At 2000 Meters a Second” is the most metal track with aggressive guitar riffs and very few lighter sounds, a thread common throughout.

Main song writer Danny Cavanaugh describes the work on this release as collection of songs that reflect personal experience, thoughts and feelings, which is evident in the poetic delivery to each selection. “A Natural Disaster” is modern featuring a female voice and very calm, relaxing drums, keyboards and guitars.

“Violence” begins with a piano building energy before hitting with guitars and drums, though not making any particular mark. Things slowly build and escalate but don’t go anywhere at the finale, instead finishing on a light note with more piano. Odd I say but interestingly the closing piece packs a punch. It kind of sneaks up on you and rather nice.