ANATHEMA “Weather Systems” Genre: Melodic Atmospheric Progressive Rock Kscope If previous “We’re Here Because We’re Here” was a superb return for Anathema after a seven-year hiatus, “Weather Systems”, the Liverpudlian quintet’s ninth, is utterly and completely magnificent. In fact, to do this record justice is hard and to quote the opening spoken word segment of “Internal Landscapes”, the achingly beautiful closing song which begins with one man’s account of his near-death experience, “as a matter of fact, it’s impossible to describe. Verbally, it cannot be expressed; it is something that becomes you and you become it.” That, in a nutshell, is this album to a tee. The Cavanagh brothers et al, have never seemingly found it difficult to create music that’s deep, emotional and moving, and this album is certainly no different. If anything though, it resets the bar and sets it astronomically high. Such is the majesty and intensity, yet simplicity of the music on “Weather Systems”, tracks like “Untouchable Part 2” and “The Lost Child” have moved me to tears on more than one occasion and I have no problem in admitting that. In a world that is more and more intent on immediacy and vacuous sentiment, Anathema stand as bastions of the polar opposite. Kicking this masterpiece off is “Untouchable Part 1”, an urgent, fast-paced acoustic-guitar led piece that sets the tone for the entire record by featuring some gorgeous melodies that tug at the heartstrings. And then, with the aforementioned “Untouchable Part 2”, Anathema slow things right down and unleash their not-so-secret weapon in the form of female vocalist Lee Douglas. Her contribution has been upped significantly on this release and it’s an inspired move, as she sounds angelic on her own and dovetails perfectly with Vincent Cavanagh when “”“Shadowmaker” they duet. And whilst Anathema are happy to experiment with newer sounds and aural textures on the likes of “The Storm Before The Calm”, they are equally at home glancing over their shoulders to the past, evidenced by the vocal anguish displayed on “The Beginning Of The End”, for example, which harks back to the “Judgement” days. Topped off with a warm, rich production, this is a near- perfect tour-de-force that needs to be heard to be believed. The Beatles be damned, this is the best band that Liverpool has ever RUNNING produced, no arguments. POWERPOINTS: MATT SPALL IRON MAIDEN “En Vivo” Genre: Metal EMI WILD Maiden and their Genre: Heavy Metal management have been on SPV record for around a decade now with the fact that every Fans of German metal giants Running Wild will find Considering the amount of time it took Rolf to Maiden tour until the end of time will be accompanied by a themselves blasting the hell out of album number fifteen, compose these tracks, they are startlingly strong. “I Am CD/DVD/blu-ray to cement its the splendidly lovable “Shadowmaker”. While it doesn’t Who I Am” is one of the heaviest tracks here, destined to place in history. Some may see recall the unashamedly badass “Black Hand Inn” or the kick it live (if they ever get out there to play it), while it as the milking of a cash cow, but legions of fans the world speed metal-loving “”, it finds Rock ‘N’ Rolf mystic closer “Dracula” is the longest, most creative track, over see it simply as another Kasparek in fine form, pummeling his way through ten boasting powerful atmospheric touches and the finest guitar opportunity to wallow in the mid-paced metal anthems complete with catchy choruses, work on the album. My only gripe is the cringe-worthy spectacle of Maiden in what is their natural environment. As seen and heard on “Rock In Rio”, Maiden and South tasty but simple riffwork and, of course, his trademark salute to rock that is “Me & The Boys”, which pains me to America have a long-standing mutual love affair and this latest rasp. say because the tracks that surround it, “Locomotive” and live offering, recorded on 2011’s Final Frontier tour in front of “Piece Of The Action” kicks off the album in a the groovy title cut, are two of the best on the album. 50,000 rabid Chileans in Santiago, hammers home the point in style. party-metal fashion, while “Riding On The Tide” is a slice With plenty of variation, “Shadowmaker” is a The two-disc, seventeen-song set list is exactly the same of Running Wild perfection, building from a pirate-themed captivating listen from start to finish, one that true Running as that witnessed by European fans and the fact there is a fifty/fifty riff to a heroic refrain. The majority of this material is light in Wild devotees will devour the moment they get their hands split between post-2000 reunion material and older tracks speaks volumes, not only for the strength of the songs, but Maiden’s tone, more fun than epic, and though it doesn’t race along on it. unswerving belief in themselves as a relevant creative force. at power metal speed, it’s German through and through, The likes of “El Dorado” and “The Wicker Man” match with large choirs, melodic solos, and a harmless dose of POWERPOINTS: 12345671234567 classics like “The Trooper” and “Two Minutes To Midnight” blow for blow, while the soaring “Coming Home” sounds as if it’s been humour. BRUCE TURNBULL a staple of the set for decades, rather than months. PAGE 40 - POWERPLAY ISSUE 142 - MAY 2012