Leaving Eden (Prophecy Productions)

 “Leaving Eden” is the latest work of this British band formed by former Anathema bass player Duncan Patterson, but as many of you probably know Mr. Patterson left the band after “Planetary Confinement” (2005) leaving Michael Moss in charge. This important line-up change seems to have enormously reverberated in the music of Antimatter, although the band maintains the characteristic elegant atmosphere that surrounds each one of its previous works. This time the band shows its most depressive and melancholic side, leaving behind some of their electronic elements and embracing the atmospheric and acoustic sound. The delicate acoustics mixed with a powerful and emotional vocal work creates sober but elegant atmospheres that fill this album from the beginning to the end. Is pretty much impossible not to compare “Leaving Eden” with Anathema’s three latest albums; the Rock elements are present in shape of sporadic but accurate intense “metallic” guitar riffs, and some quite otherworldly lead guitar lines. The keyboard work here is completely essential, contributing enormously with the acoustic passages with its delicate and fine melodies, and also contributing with the whole album atmospheric feeling. This album counted with the guest appearance of Danny Cavanagh on lead guitar and piano, Ste Hughes on bass, Rachel Brewster on violin and Chris Phillips on drums. “Leaving Eden” is the kind of album you can listen to many times in a row without getting bored… The entire album is an extraordinary journey thought the infinite landscapes of introspection… definitely a good album. (AP