NMC #74 (IT BITES & ANATHEMA)

[Niels (Mod)]

Both of these two albums have a VERY good chance, of ending in my personal Top-5 over albums from 2012. I HOPE there will come many more great albums this year, but for me, these two albums are SO good, that I don't expect 5 new albums better than this.

Both albums are what I would call "Prog-Poprock", and I REALLY like that "style" at the moment. Okay here we go:

IT BITES - MAP OF THE PAST

1. Wallflower
2. Map Of The Past
3. Flag
4. Cartoon Graveyard
5. Meadow And The Stream

I remember the english band It Bites from the 80's, but I don't really remember the music, they made. This album is a concept-album, and I do like concept-albums, well the good ones, and this is one of those. I can hear some inspiration from Genesis (the singer sounds pretty much like Peter Gabriel, some times), and Marillion, but mostly, they sound like It Bites. I had a hard time chosing 5 tracks, because all of the tracks on the album are great, and remember that since it is a concept-album, it MIGHT be, that the songs are not as strong alone, as they are "together", so if you remotely like some of this, purchase this album. You won't regret it.

ANATHEMA - WEATHER SYSTEMS

1. Untouchable, Pt. 1
2. Untouchable, Pt. 2
3. The Gathering Of Clouds
4. The Beginning And The End
5. The Lost Child

For a year or so, I've thought about getting some music with the english group Anathema, and when I saw, they were releasing a new album in 2012, I waited until this release. It MIGHT take a few listenings, to get in to this album, but when "you get it" like me, you can't stop listening. This might just be album of the year for me. This is music to listen to, while doing nothing. If you listen at work with just one ear, you won't get it!! This COULD also be a concept-album, because all of the tracks are about...wait for it...the weather. Please listen to every minute, that I have posted. If you only listen to the first couple of minutes of every song, you won't be able to "review" this music.

Okay, now it's your turn to listen:

http://www.sharesnack.com/F9CA5FD9E8C/azj8ynkx

[Niels (Mod)]

Well, I guess, I shouldn't post the album, I had in mind to post next time around, then. You'll probably fall asleep 

I've just discovered another english Prog-band band called Amplifier, who is the support-act on Anathema's tour in europe. Sounds like "Tool", I think. They released a double-album last year in january, called "The Octopus", and I've just bought it. See, you wouldn't hear this kind of music, if I wasn't around here, now would you  :

[RJhog (Admin)]

Actually, I have heard of Amplifier.  I thought about buying Octopus, but I think I could only download it or buy it directly from them, so I just didn't bother.  The samples I heard were decent.

[Niels (Mod)]

Really?! I thought, I was the only one, who've heard of this band. Well, there you go.

[Scott]

Just picked up this Anathema, and I must say, Niels is 100% spot on, this one grows on you and becomes something of a treasure...

[Niels (Mod)]

Very glad to hear that, Scott.

I bought their 2009/10-album "We're here because we're here" a few weeks back, and it's just as good. You need to check it out, if you like this one.