CAUSE & CONSEQUENCES

So Much Darkness

French progressive metal trio anasazi (always lower case, I was told) here releases their sixth full length album (also 4 EP's, and a special instrumental release), titled "cause & consequence".

It's a fine example of complex and dark progressive metal from this band whose members have been intact since 2018, although the history of anasazi stretches back to 2003. So in a way, this celebrates 20 years of anasazi (means 'ancient enemies' in the Navajo tongue).

Line-Up on "cause & consequence"

- Mathieu Madani / vocals, guitars, keyboards - Brunos Saget / guitars - Anthony Barruel / drums; and guest -Tristan Klein/ guitar and Hammond organ.

Themes

I didn't have access to lyrics, but from what I learned in band information, lyrical themes range from "...animal suffering "trapped" and "space between", to depression "324" and "into the void", panic attacks "disheartening", mourning "the mourning", assisted suicide "exit life" and cults "death was (her) name"."

That's right, dark. And lots of blood. Suffering. Despair.

Can life in Grenoble, France be so grim?

Music

For me, the scorching, complex progressive metal tracks, in which the band lets loose with powerful, gritty riffs, and some amazingly inventive vocal arrangements, work best. I'd say the first two-thirds of the album sizzles, while the last third has its moments, without the flash and flair.

But in each track, multi-instrumentalist/ lead vocalist Mathieu Madani- the only original anasazi member- outdoes himself with vocal creativity. This is an album highlight, in my opinion. There are harmonies, vocal give-and-take passages, distant and close voices, intense, mournful, passionate, heartbroken, and other emotive voices. He uses a capella passages, and shows a lot of inventiveness.

In several places, orchestration is suggested, and the Hammond organ is also a highlight- I'm a sucker without a doubt when it comes to that.

Gritty Riffs

But probably the real star of the show, are the heavy, downtuned, gut-bucket riffs; the album is filled with them. They make me bang my head, shake my booty, rejoice, and stamp my feet. Bass guitar tones were great too, rich and round and rough, the way I like them.

My Conclusion

The album seems to lose momentum about two-thirds of the way through. The music has merit. Themes are so dark as to be oppressive sometimes. Musicianship is superb. Compositions show sophistication and intelligence. And those vocals!

My Rating

3.5 out of 5 blood-tinged stars, rounded up to 4 thanks to the stellar vocal arrangements.

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