This is the sound of music with real meaning, from a band growing in popularity against all the odds. A band defying expectations and rewriting the rule books on what can and can't be done in rock music. A band with such a natural sense of melody, balanced with seething power and lyrics that enlighten and inspire, a band of brothers and sisters, a band of unique origin. This is the best band you have never heard of. This album is beyond anything you ever heard before in its field. We are Anathema: we're here because we're here. Anathema returned on May 31st with their new album, We're Here Because We're Here. Described as ‘A flawless, life-affirming comeback and a gold-plated contender for album of the year’ and given a 9/10 review by Classic Rock, this is the first collection of new material from the band since the 2003 album, A Natural Disaster. A multi-coloured, multi-layered work of unbridled emotion, passion, and intensity, the new album has been embraced by their legions of fans and worldwide press. ‘We’re Here Because We’re Here is the finest they have unleashed so far... a stunningly enjoyable album.’ Classic Rock Prog Formed in Liverpool in 1990, the band’s sound and musical vision has continually evolved over the ensuing years while always remaining true to the band’s original goal of creating forward-thinking, meaningful, passionate, and honest music. With each release they moved beyond the boundaries of limited scenes and pigeon holes, creating a complex and emotive atmospheric sound. The album has been mixed by Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), who has described it as “definitely among the best albums I've ever had the pleasure to work on.” ‘It’s been seven years coming but Anathema’s eighth studio is very much worth the wait... Getting mixed by Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson is a fitting honour for such a splendidly built record’ 9/10 Metal Hammer Anathema have been at the forefront of the UK rock/metal movement for many years. They began their journey as pioneers of melodic heavy music, influencing a myriad of bands to follow them, before outgrowing all genres and limitations as they fearlessly explored new territory and new ways to express feeling through sound. The line-up is really a collective of two families who were quite simply born to do it. Anathema consists of brothers Vincent, Daniel and Jamie Cavanagh, alongside childhood friends John Douglas and his sister Lee, who is an incredible singer in her own right. The line-up is completed by Les Smith, who brings much in the way of production expertise to the band. There is a deeper bond in the group that transcends usual band politics, ego, and self-interest. They have a shared vision: to make the most incredible music they possibly can, and it seems, despite the lavish praise heaped on the band for their past work, that they are now taking their work to a whole new level.

Current members

• Vincent Cavanagh - Lead vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar (1990-present)
• Daniel Cavanagh - Lead guitar, vocals, keyboards (1990-2002, 2003-present) (Antimatter, Lid, Leafblade)
• Les Smith - Keyboards (2000-present) (ex-Cradle of Filth, Antimatter, Ship of Fools)
• Jamie Cavanagh - Bass (1990-1991, 2001-present)
• John Douglas - Drums (1990-1997, 1998-present)
• Lee Douglas - Vocals (2000-present)

Former members

• Darren White - Vocals (1990-1995) (The Blood Divine, Dead Men Dream, Serotonal)
• Duncan Patterson - Bass, keyboards (1991-1998) (ex-Antimatter, Dreambreed, Íon)
• Shaun Taylor-Steels - Drums (1997-1998) (ex-Solstice, ex-My Dying Bride)
• Martin Powell - Keyboards, violin (1998-2000) (ex-My Dying Bride, ex-Cradle of Filth, ex-Cryptal Darkness)
• Dave Pybus - Bass (1998-2001) (Angtoria, Cradle of Filth, Dreambreed, Darkened)