Anathema finds beauty in 'Weather Systems'

Anathema

Weather Systems

(The End Records)

Grade: B+

Though it may be surprising, the band responsible for Weather Systems began their career in doom-metal. The dramatic piano chords and orchestral backings that make up many of the album's tracks would suggest a genesis in Coldplay-esque balladry – not in grim, atmospheric metal. Nevertheless, that evolution is the one Anathema has taken and that growth has proven to be excellent. With Weather Systems, Anathema haven't given up on their signature beauty. It's just as powerful, if not more so, than We're Here Because We're Here, and it definitely continues the refining process begun on the band's past outings. The majority of the songs here push all of the right emotive buttons.