Band:	Anathema
Album:	A Natural Disaster
Style:	Atmospheric rock
Release date:	November 03, 2003
A review by:	Undercraft

01. Harmonium
02. Balance
03. Closer
04. Are You There?
05. Childhood Dream
06. Pulled Under At 2000 Metres A Second
07. A Natural Disaster
08. Flying
09. Electricity
10. Violence

I can't believe these guys, the Cavanagh bros and Co. are talented musicians, there no hint of doubt about that, I mean, Anathema keeps getting better every release, last time we listened them in their new "atmospheric/acoustic" phase with "A Fine Day To Exit", now with "A Natural Disaster" they pushed things further and created another melancholic masterpiece.

Let's start by saying that the cover art is simply gorgeous, definitely an excellent choice, and in my opinion, the best cover Anathema has ever come up with.
Anyway, as I was saying, last time Anathema was leaning towards more acoustic sounds, more like Radiohead or something in that style, but much, much sadder. This time things have changed and A Natural Disaster is more atmospheric than acoustic, is more about feelings and emotional yet sad vocals, is more about piano and Hammond than guitars and distortion, is more about feelings.

The album starts with "harmonium" song that reminds that the Pink Floyd influences are still there, "Balance" is more straight-forward while "Closer" uses interesting voice experimentation. When you reach track 4 "Are You There?" is time to see the world through the eyes of Anathema, is a bleak world my friends, and is a wonderful song, if you don't feel touched in any way by this song, you have no heart, as a matter of fact, chances are that you're made of stone and you didn't notice yet.

"Pulled Under At 2000 Meters A Second" is the only aggressive song of the record, and it just rocks big time! The song " A Natural Disaster" features enchanting female vocals all through the song, reminded me of Portishead?
"Flying" is a incredible song and my favorite of the album, the vocals of Vince Cavanagh are out of this world in this one, and the song has one of the most perfect atmospheres that I've ever listened, next is "Electricity" another great song, more calmer and with an almost hypnotic piano line.

I can't really find the words to describe this album, the only thing you need to know is that this is another masterpiece by these guys, not so metal anymore, but hey! Look at the bright side, your non-metal girlfriend is going to love this! At least mine does.