The Anchoret – It All Began with Loneliness

Swedish progressive metal outfit The Anchoret makes a strong debut with “It All Began With Loneliness.” This ambitious album weaves a tapestry of soaring vocals, intricate instrumental passages, and a melancholic atmosphere that explores themes of isolation and yearning. Let’s embark on this introspective journey, track by track, and see if “It All Began With Loneliness” marks the arrival of a progressive metal powerhouse or gets lost in its own labyrinthine complexity.

A Meandering Exploration of Solitude:

• An Office For Empty Words (7:12): The album opens with a deceptive gentleness. Acoustic guitars and melancholic piano melodies set the stage for a song that slowly builds in intensity. Vocals enter with a haunting beauty, delivered by Jonah Rooke with a touch of vulnerability. The song erupts in a wave of distorted guitars and powerful drumming midway through, showcasing the band’s ability to blend contrasting styles seamlessly. The lyrics paint a picture of emotional detachment and isolation, setting the tone for the album’s thematic exploration.
• The Glass Ceiling (5:48): A sense of urgency emerges here. Faster tempos, driving rhythms, and a soaring guitar lead propel the listener forward. Rooke’s vocals take on a more assertive quality, reflecting the song’s lyrical exploration of frustration and the desire to break free from limitations. The inclusion of a melancholic flute adds a unique textural layer to the soundscape.
• Hollow (6:27): The album delves deeper into progressive territory. The song features tempo changes, intricate guitar work, and a prominent saxophone line that adds a touch of jazz fusion to the mix. Rooke delivers a passionate vocal performance, showcasing his impressive range and ability to navigate complex melodies. The lyrics explore themes of self-doubt and the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.
• A Sliver of Hope (4:12): A brief moment of respite arrives. The song features a beautiful piano melody and soaring vocals that offer a glimmer of optimism amidst the album’s pervasive darkness. The lyrics hint at the possibility of overcoming loneliness and finding connection.
• The Cult of Me (8:13): The album’s epic centerpiece arrives. This sprawling track features a dynamic range, shifting from quiet introspection to moments of furious aggression. Rooke delivers a varied vocal performance, from melancholic whispers to soaring screams. The instrumental interplay is impressive, showcasing the band’s technical prowess. The lyrics explore the dangers of self-absorption and the importance of human connection.
• Monochrome (5:22): A return to a more melancholic mood. The song features a simple yet effective melody and a sense of quiet desperation in Rooke’s vocals. The lyrics delve into the depths of loneliness and the feeling of being unseen and unheard. The melancholic beauty of this track is a highlight of the album.
• Stay (6:17): The album closes with a poignant ballad. Acoustic guitars, ethereal vocals, and a touch of Mellotron create a sense of fragile hope. The song offers a bittersweet resolution to the album’s exploration of loneliness, acknowledging the struggle but holding onto a sliver of hope for connection. The lyrics express a yearning for solace and a desire to break free from isolation.

Verdict: 4 out of 5

“It All Began With Loneliness” is a bold and ambitious debut from The Anchoret. The album offers a unique blend of progressive metal influences, weaving intricate instrumentation with soaring vocals and melancholic melodies. The songwriting is strong, with each track contributing to the overall exploration of isolation and yearning. Rooke proves himself a talented vocalist, delivering a nuanced and emotionally charged performance. The production is clear and powerful, allowing each instrument to shine through the mix.

A minor point to consider: Listeners unfamiliar with progressive metal’s extended song structures and genre-bending tendencies might find “It All Began With Loneliness” a bit challenging on the first listen. The occasional use of saxophone or flute might feel jarring to some listeners expecting a more traditional metal sound.

However, for fans of progressive metal seeking a thoughtful and emotionally resonant listening experience, “It All Began With Loneliness” is a rewarding journey. The Anchoret proves to be a band with a distinct voice and a promising future. This debut album is a strong contender for newcomer of the year and a must-listen for adventurous metalheads.