Metal Underground.com

How does a band follow-up a stellar album like “Weather Systems?” As one of the best releases of 2012 in any genre, Anathema set expectations very high for “Distant Satellites” - maybe even too high! While a very solid slab of laid back, non-metal music aimed at the metal crowd, the band's 12th full-length album doesn't manage to have quite the same emotional resonance as its critically-acclaimed predecessor.

As with the last couple of albums, Anathema generally sticks with a tried and true formula of long segments that eventually reaching a swelling crescendo coupled with smooth, drawn out vocals that really stretch the lyrics. The band knows exactly how to hit the right combination of sounds to pull at the heart strings of even the most die-hard extreme metal fan and make them think about life and death in a less brutal (but still potentially devastating) way.

Where “Distant Satellites” diverges is in the tone and specific expressions of the standard formula. These tracks are significantly more dream-like and laid back than the last album. While “Weather Systems” wasn't an extreme metal release by any stretch of the imagination, it did have a tense energy to it that also occasionally saw some heavier guitar work coming out. This time around, nearly all the tracks are toned down and less amped up, ending up more low-key with slower buildups.

Now that's not necessarily an outright bad thing, as it does create an interesting “floating through the emptiness of space” sort of feel, but it also means the album doesn't quite create the same excitement factor. “Firelight,” for instance, is essentially just three minutes of atmospheric synths – which is nice background music for relaxing – but in albums past that's the sort of thing that would have had a spiritual voiceover leading up to more exciting music.

On the other hand, “Distant Satellites” does also take some chances and try new things that haven't been heard from the band lately. The repeating vocals and electronic vibe of “You're Not Alone” are leagues away from the Anathema norm. There are several songs that bring in unexpected electronica elements as well – like the title track – that give off somewhat of a dance floor feel, although of course tempered by Anathema's usual gloominess.

If you loved “We're Here Because We're Here” or “Weather Systems,” then there is no doubt you'll enjoy “Distant Satellites.” The album is easily worth hearing for Anathema fans, even if it doesn't quite match the greatness of the amazing release that came before.