ANASAZI: Cause & Consequence (PROGRESSIVE METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Anasazi's history with the editors of Music Waves has lasted almost since the French band's "Origin(s)". The combo has regularly delivered albums of such quality and richness that it sometimes made some records difficult to grasp. If at the beginning, and as for many bands, the influences were marked (Pain Of Salvation, Dream Theater...), Anasazi worked little by little to find its signature, first recognizable in Mathieu Madani's timbre whose voice distinguishes itself from the others, and then by a quality of writing of every moment which allows to synthesize a priori antinomic styles.

"Cause & Consequences" is not going to change this formula. But in this new production, the band transcends it beyond expectations. Here we are immersed in a sophisticated and mature progressive metal even more thoughtful than before. Fans will not be totally disoriented and those who discover the band through this album will be amazed by the multitude of contrasts and the numerous breaks that characterise Anasazi's music.

By drawing from metal, prog, rock and pop, the band asserts its personality even more, highlighted by a balanced and modern production (the rhythmic in the foreground of which the bass is well highlighted). The album offers us an hour of relatively accessible music with some complex moments that keep the interest constant and give Mathieu Madani the opportunity to show an excellent interpretation between angry lines and more melodic singing passages.

Sometimes, it's the nervous pop that takes over, as in '324', which has this backbone with a certain heaviness that is never far away. The drumming is amazing on this track, which is embellished by a beautiful instrumental part. These changes of atmosphere do not dull the listening experience where sometimes Anasazi had a tendency to try too hard. The emotions are very well present and transmitted, notably in 'Exit Life' which oscillates between dark metal and a more luminous (acoustic) part of a very beautiful mastery, but also in the quasi bluesy 'Space Between'. Finally, the long tracks are legion to satisfy the amateurs of convoluted compositions ('The Mourning', 'Disheartening').

"Cause & Consequences' (note one cause for several consequences) is done with seriousness and a know-how that reaches its peak here. With incredible instrumental passages, interesting subjects, and an interpretation that doesn't suffer from any weaknesses, Anasazi delivers its best album to date. Let's hope that the band will finally receive the recognition it deserves. - Official website

ANASAZI

CAUSE & CONSEQUENCE

AUTOPRODUCTION

PROGRESSIVE METAL