ANEKDOTEN

I bought this album during Anekdoten's gig as a supporting act for Riverside back in 2007. At the time I haven't listen to their music for almost a year so I almost felt like I owed it to myself to check out and see what the band has been up to.

The gig went well although, if the memory serves me right, I was surprised that Anekdoten didn't play a single track from Nucleus. Instead we've got a first hand introduction to the band's latest material through performances of In For A Ride, A Sky About To Rain and The Great Unknown. To tell you the truth I was so overwhelmed by Riverside's excellent performance that I only have fragmentary memories from Anekdoten's gig so I'll leave it at that and move on to the review.

I started listening to A Time Of Day the day after the gig and did so for at least two weeks. Since I missed out on Gravity I wasn't entirely sure what I was about to experience, but some of the material I've heard live did feel much more interesting in comparison to From Within.

The Great Unknown sounded like a very smooth opening track that just glides into the scene and creates the right atmosphere for the rest of the album. 30 Pieces is mostly memorable for the flute performance which brightened up the other arrangements but ultimately I just get the feeling of déjà vu whenever I hear it.

Next up is King Oblivion, a song that I really enjoy although something tells me that it's probably for all the wrong reasons. It's basically a straight forward rock-tune but with a very nice melody that gives it a just the right twist to keep me entertained. It's important to note that the arrangements on this album feel much softer and more melodic compared to what I previously have heard with A Sky About To Rain and Every Step I Take as the most prominent examples of just that.

In For A Ride is my least favorite composition off this album because I just don't see where Anekdoten was going with this peculiar performance and it really made me scratch my head when I heard it live. I can't say that I enjoy the direction that the band is going for with their later releases. I get the feeling that they are trying too much in creating a sound that would be appealing to a wider audience and in result are loosing the identity that was so prominent on Vemod and Nucleus. Still considering all the praise that A Time Of Day has received I feel as though I'm in minority.

***** star songs: King Oblivion (5:02)

**** star songs: The Great Unknown (6:22) A Sky About To Rain (6:29) Every Step I Take (3:06)

*** star songs: 30 Pieces (7:13) Stardust And Sand (4:29) In For A Ride (6:47) Prince Of The Ocean (5:30)

It feels like this album has all the right elements to make it an excellent release but the components just don't hold together as they should for me.

After two great albums Anekdoten decided to add new elements to their sound which I don't blame them for because progress and improvement is what great artistry is all about. At the same time this is actually what becomes this record's major flaw for me. What I'm sure not many people outside Scandinavia realize is that the band hasn't done much innovation here but instead just adjusted themselves more to the popular Indie music scene that have dominated Sweden since the 90's. Artists like Anna Ternheim, Nicolai Dunger, Marit Bergman, Sakert! and A Camp are basically bombarding us this type of mellow music on everyday basis so when a band that I really enjoy goes for that same generic pop sound it just alienates me.

Of course I'm probably exaggerating the situation because this album is by no means a terrible record and many of its compositions have grown on me over the years. Still I can't help but think back to the bittersweet taste I felt after hearing it for the first time. On top of that many of the compositions on From Within feel minimalistic and at times drag for too long which can be tough to enjoy if one is not in the right mood for it. Now that I've got that out of the way let's get to the good bits!

The title track that opens the record might not be as great as the two previous album openers but does offer a fantastic build-up to the melodic vocal section which is followed by a nice instrumental interplay. Next composition entitled Kiss Of Life is my definite favorite from this album. This up-tempo track really works wonderfully in contrast to the other tracks and I would have loved it to stay on for just a little longer!

Originally I was very disappointed with Hole which starts off in a truly majestic fashion but then just fades into a low key setting that never delivers anything spectacular during its lengthy running time. Although it has grown on me over the years it's still no where near the band's greatest compositions.

I've always considered the second part of From Within to be inferior to the first so in order to mix it up a bit for this review I tried listening to the second part before getting to the first four tracks. Unfortunately it didn't make much of a difference with the minor exception of For Someone which sounded a bit more dramatic than what I originally have given it credit for.

Hopefully my writing will shed some light on the local perspective of this record and although I'm not speaking on behalf for the entire population of Sweden I know that a lot of my friends here in Stockholm share this opinion with me.

***** star songs: Kiss Of Life (4:40)

**** star songs: From Within (7:25) Groundbound (5:25) Hole (11:09) The Sun Absolute (6:39) For Someone (3:31)

*** star songs: Slow Fire (7:26) Firefly (4:49)

Nucleus was my introduction to Anekdoten and their new imaginative take on the great music from the 70's. I heard this album almost five years after it's original release during my preparation for the concert I was attending at the time where they happened to be one of the supporting acts. At the time Nucleus was Anekdoten's "it" album since From Within was still relatively new and surprisingly I haven't heard any talk about Vemod. Originally I felt very indifferent to the music offered here mainly because I didn't enjoy the vocal performance and the quieter moments felt a bit too dark for my tastes. Luckily my opinion changed entirely after my first concert experience!

During Anekdoten's gig the band performed a few numbers from Nucleus like the ingenious title track and This Far From The Sky. Surprisingly the compositions didn't grab me as much as the band's stage presence that made the performance truly memorable. To this day I've had the privilege of experiencing three Anekdoten performances and I still consider my first encounter to be my personal favorite. Needless to say I just had to give this album more attention than what I have done to that point!

Nucleus features a weird mix of compositions and the overall mood of the record is very dark compared to anything else the band has released over the years. The highlights for me are the heavier compositions because, to be perfectly frank, I still struggle with many of these low key performances like Harvest and Here. The title track that opens the album is definitely my favorite composition closely followed by Rubankh and This Far From The Sky. The final track In Freedom gives a good indication of the direction the band will evolve towards over the course of the next couple of albums.

In conclusion Nucleus is one of the strongest albums in Anekdoten's discography but it's probably not the best introductory album since that title, in my opinion, is reserved for their excellent debut album.

***** star songs: Nucleus (5:13) Rubankh (3:25) This Far From The Sky (8:50)

**** star songs: Harvest (6:57) Book Of Hours (9:59) Raft (0:59) Here (7:26) In Freedom (6:41)

This album was a love at first listen, which is truly a surprise after my string of on-off relationships with Ankedoten!

After listening to Nucleus, From Within and A Time Of Day I was convinced that I've heard all I needed to pass a judgment on Anekdoten's studio material but decided to give them just one more go and what a nice payoff it turned out to be! Come to think of it I don't quite understand why I previously was so eager to push forward in the band's discography without even considering to check out their debut until a few month ago. Maybe I was put off by the title Vemod which translates roughly into melancholy/sadness.

The first two album tracks are just fantastic! Karelia is a great instrumental with luscious mellotron undertones which does resemble a few King Crimson compositions, from their 73-74 period, particularly the ending which is a dead give away. Still I don't consider it to be a flaw since the overall composition has a spirit of its own and these little references don't in any way overshadow those assets. Besides, if this is considered plagiarism then I don't know what should be said about bands like Spock's Beard, Flower Kings, Dream Theater, The Tangent etc.

The Old Man And The Sea is the only songs here that I'm certain that I've heard Anekdoten perform live and it's a killer of a composition that has to be experienced by all fans of heavy progressive music. The next four tracks are quite different from the first two numbers especially the two nice acoustic compositions which work remarkably well in contrast to the longer and heavier numbers.

The album closes with Wheel which is my personal pick from Vemod. It starts off with an epic sounding intro which nicely works its way to the melodic vocal section and from there the composition goes into a crazy jam section. What a great way to conclude an excellent album!

This is an excellent album and a definite must have for all fans of progressive rock music!

***** star songs: Karelia (7:22) The Old Man And The Sea (7:50) Wheel (7:52)

**** star songs: Where Solitude Remains (7:21) Thought In Absence (4:13) The Flow (7:00) Longing (4:54)

I'd like to nominate myself as the second-biggest Anekdoten fan on the archives. I tried hard to get to the top but have to admit Sinkadotentree is miles out of reach!

At least I'm fan enough to find the whole idea of an Anekdoten compilation rather puzzling. After all, what you need is all their albums, not just a selection. But as compilations come, this Chapters is one that honours the band in a well judged and respectful manner. The focus is on the last few studio albums which is fine as those represented a more mature and personal style. But the Anekdoten heyday is represented as well, with remixes from Wheel and The Old Man.

The gem to get is Sad Rain, a beautiful King Crimson homage (almost a Starless cover) that was included on certain issues of the debut album. Another rare track is When I Turn, which pays tribute to another Anekdoten hero, namely Peter Hammill. The opening line is almost a quote from A Louse is Not a Home from the Silent Corner album: "Sometimes it's very scary here".

The second CD contains a number of alternate studio outtakes, making this compilation not only suited as an introduction to the band, but also a treat for fans. Let the demo tag not scare you, these versions sound every bit as good as the originals, they aren't that different from the studio versions but have the focussed energy of a good live performance. Especially 30 Pieces gains power from the rough edges.

I'll join the crowd with another 4 star recommendation. As compilations come this is a very professional and respectful one.

Indeed, to the hell with peace, embrace the violent chaos. As Dream Theater once said: "Systematic Chaos" (wait a minute, it was name of the album). Well, suddenly, my former rhetorical question rises again to prominence. Do you enjoy pain through suffering, or pleasure through suffering ? In first case, I'll redirect you to some Death Metal, but if you're the second case, let's keep track with your local generic vendor and seek, seek like a devil and find this album, grab it and run away (if you want to be dramatic, run without paying, but I can't recommend it, believe me, I've tried once).

So, this time we're far more experimental than before (and after), which somehow helps to stirr the waters, which would be sometimes better still (hello Robert Brown). And Rubankh reminding Anglagard's Hybris rough, wild and savage brother.

I say, why not, let it be insane album. And so it was, weirdness through back of your mind, fast forwarding sceneries of pure madness in contrast to short parts of calm oasis like Raff (I mean Raft, sorry, pun intended, otherwise, I would correct it).

Don't be fooled, this album does not give answer, only raises questions. But that's fine, because if you were able to get this album in 1995 (to be honest, I discovered it in 2009 ), you had a long time to think about it. Years to be correct. Were they worth ? They rather should be, as there's a lot of material to have thoughtful discussion, some mystical session with tea, smoking candles and so.

4(+) - prog for people who aren't easily aroused 4(-) - for other humans

progmonster, I can't agree less with you. And in general, what a unloved son this Gravity bastard is. Hardly received by fans and blamed by others, from their albums, if they're rated all quite well, one simply have to be worst. And so here we are, evaluating, judging, thinking about qualities, prog qualities and quantities (tities?) of Gravity trap. Isn't it nice to be trapped again ? Seems like good young Marty (it's opposite of "good ol' Marty", who I'll become in future - 2015).

I'll rather advice to something else (not talking to anything in particular, just responding to so "low" [relatively] rating that reigns here. I don't stand a chance to change it and I also don't want to), face the fact that this is different Anekdoten. If you compare slightly worse album (Nursery Crime) with Masterpiece (Foxtrot), the result is - easily 4-stars. But when you compare it to other, 4- star albums, the result it 5-stars. What about to apply same fair policy here. Be honest, be fair with Anekdoten, they does not deserve our wrath. Or sour grapes.

I'll also fact (or you, as you wish, if you'll follow me), am aware that this sounds weaker. Not completely bad, but weaker for sure. Structures too depending on vocals (which were good in small dosages) and somehow more pop feeling here. More melodic, something that does not fits me here. You see ? I'm thinking in terms of their music, comparing this album to others, but when comparing to other work of other acts, would it be better ? A little bit, yes. As long as I know, their most melodic album by far.

But it's nice to look at other reviews and see, how confused some reviewers are, not knowing what to say. At least I'm not alone in this.

4(-), but I've been tempted by darkness to give less. I'll leave it for a next time.

Just another of Marty's crazy reviews, but this time, we'll done it differently, because I've long awaited the time, when state of my mind will allow me to do this statement. Music of Anekdoten is weird. There's something sinister, yet interesting about their music. Heavy, too heavy feeling, like anvil hanging above your head, threatening you to fall. After all, they're Heavy Prog, or at least classified as this. We can go along, Marty and this term.

So where's the statement ? Here, all these words, whole review is epitaph to this living dead music. Yes, this music feels like hundreds of years old tomb, where parties are still held, bouncer is still here (although quite rotten) and everything seems to be fine. They're having fun, aren't they ? But there's something bad, but the more you are here (listen to this music), the more "normal" it sounds, even this feeling in the back of your mind remains.

There's not many musical acts that sounds like Anekdoten (German for something like "humorous story" ... hey, I'm not laughing, not at all, not even a little bit, this is serious business), their sound is very distinctive. Combining mellow (tron) music with distort, non-pleasant elements (and then suddenly, flute bursts in and confuse us all again) in a way that is simply impressing.

You feel like being dragged somewhere you didn't want to go at all, but when you're here, you'll at least try to enjoy it to the maximum, because Carpe Diem, life is short to be worried about bad things like doubts. Sometimes almost post-rock like style of music, when you have to feel to "feel" it. Feel for feel, makes completely sense (dude).

And meanwhile, flute still plays and treats you carefully, like when you're small and mother guides you through dangerous mine field. Umm, something like that at least.

5(-), after all, why not. This music has everything. But consider it one star less when you're not "in mood" and want just something easy-listening. Not my case most of the time, though.

Waking The Dead is the second Anekdoten live album. It shows a further growth of their known live competence; especially the vocals have become much stronger since the previous live album. Again there is a mix of known songs from recent albums and a number of gems that are not or hard to find outside this release.

The familiar material is performed truthful to the originals but it benefits from the live adrenaline bonus. The band plays tightly and depending on the occasion either subtle or powerful. The album production is a bit below studio standards but competent enough. The performances are at least as good. Niclas vocals on Kiss of Life are still grating but less so then on the From Within original. Hole is as mesmerizing as it's always been.

The first track unique to this concert is the short mellotron gathering Moons of Mars. It reverts to the fascinating cinematic atmospheres of the Morte Macabre project and serves as an intro into one of my favorite instrumental moments from Anekdoten, The Sun Absolute. The second previously unreleased track is This Too Will Pass, a delightful instrumental that investigates the pensive moods of post-rock. The album ends with Sad Rain, an early Anekdoten piece that doesn't appear on the regular album releases and that you shouldn't miss here if you don't have it yet.

3 stars is the lowest rating so far for this album, which makes me a bit uncomfortably really, but rest assured, it's a great live album. It's just that I'm not too fond of the live album format and need a bit more to get totally wild about it. Sad Rain included, there are 3 rare tracks that are hard or not to be found anywhere else, but they aren't essential enough to turn this into a 4 star live album for me.

Live In Japan is a competent live album that deserves your attention because of a number of instrumental tracks that were not included or only appeared in a much shorter form on the official albums.

The album tracks are all played with passion and focused energy but don't seem to differ much from their originals. On top of that, some of the vocals are far below the studio recordings, Slow Fire for instance, which was never one of their best tracks, is sung completely out of tune and rather painful to the ears. Clearly, the whole point of this release are the instrumental treats Out Of Nowhere, Tabatah and Rubank.

Out Of Nowhere has a powerful bass groove, excellent percussion, big mellotron chords and an apt guitar improvisation. The combination of melancholic atmosphere and the bass-dominated sound reminds me as much of the King Crimson 1974 sound as of the dark rock of Joy Division.

Tabatah is similar, this time mixing King Crimson guitar wizardry with a touch of Zeuhl, heralding the sound of later bands like Nebelnest and Guapo. It's really an intense piece of music. Anekdoten may not be the most original band out there but they write and perform their music with great competence and with a big love and conviction for what they do. The track ends in a disturbing chaos of interwoven riffs and rhythms.

Rubank already featured on Nucleus but the 3 minutes original can not be compared to the 11 minutes of dark atmospheric rock here. It's been largely extended with a long and dramatic crescendo with heavy distorted bass and spacious mellotron chords.

Overall, this is a mostly competent 3 star live album with a 25 minute bonus of essential instrumental modern prog. Sounds like 4 stars altogether.