Anathema

When Anathema's long awaited eighth studio album was released in Europe last year, it received critical acclaim, but not the wider appreciation its exquisite artistry deserved. Now available as an official North American release, the record has another chance to reach more ears. We're Here Because We're Here takes the UK band even deeper into progressive/art rock territory, so its heaviness comes down to complex arrangements and the interplay of multiple voices and textures. The weight is more emotional and psychological than that of the doom-y metal Anathema once purveyed. Guitars and a momentous rhythm section still work their way into the foreground much of the time, but they're supported by a swirling, swelling flow of keyboards, male and female vocals, and even orchestration ― a full immersion of sound. Mixing by Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, etc.) makes perfect sonic sense, helping capture the record's dynamics and dramatic extremes, brought out by band members' Danny and Vincent Cavanagh's self-production. The North American release of We're Here Because We're Here offers the original ten captivating tracks (and low key artwork), along with three demo recordings, but it's also available in a limited deluxe special edition that includes a version of the album in 5.1 surround sound and a seven-inch vinyl containing two additional orchestrated tracks.