Anubis is an Australian band that offers eclectic and modern Progressive Rock sounds, with 7 studio albums to their credit. The new concept “The Unforgivable” was released on September 06, 2024 via Bird’s Robe Collective and contains the 10 sections that make up this long suite. A sampled vocal and dreamy piano atmospheres open “Part I – A Legion of Angels,” a one-minute intro that takes us into the listen with a guitar insert. The band immediately plunges us into Progressive Rock sounds with “Part II – The Mark of Cain,” developing an elaborate theme enriched by a solid and intricate rhythm section. Interwoven guitar and keyboards drive the melodies over which a dynamic and expressive vocalist passionately interprets the song’s lyrics. In the middle part, the guitar offers a solo insert, and then in the second part of the piece alternates vocal and instrumental parts, concluding in a musical crescendo. “Part III – Alone” features heavy guitar riffs intertwined with keyboards and a granitic rhythm section. The sounds are steeped in effects and modulations, which give a modern, electronic touch to the sound, alternating with softer, symphonic openings. The vocals are, as always, an added value to the band’s sound, interpreting the lyrics with pathos. A good mix between more heavy and more melodic passages, showing the band’s versatility. The longest section of this concept “Part IV – The Chains” exceeds 6 minutes in length and opens by evolving the melodies of the previous one with a solid and elaborate sound. fine guitar and keyboard work, continuous tempo changes and instrumental parts alternating with intense vocal sections. A prolonged instrumental section accompanies us to the second part of the song, evolving the central theme with solo inserts and excellent guitar and keyboard mixtures, ending with a warm and expressive vocal moment. A melancholic interweaving of guitar and keyboards opens “Part V – One Last Thing,” on which the vocals come in and add a poignant touch to the sound. A softer, melodic track, which in the second half offers solo guitar cues before the vocal returns and concludes on a crescendo. The sound of a running train opens “Part VI – All Because of You,” another pathos-filled track, combining melancholic atmospheres with a structure that enhances the band’s songwriting. A song that showcases Robert‘s vocal talents as well as the performing technique of all the band members. The album’s shortest track “Part VII – The End of the Age,” featuring Becky Bennison on guest vocals, offers a fresh and modern soudn Prog. In line with today’s releases in the genre, with electronic keyboard sounds and fine modulations and effects, it develops an elaborate and engaging theme, short but intense. “Part VIII – Back” is another track featuring Becky on vocals, alternating between modern sounds that combine progressive rock and beautifully crafted melodic openings. In the finale, a slist guitar insert is inserted, ending with electro-sounds and a vocal sampling that takes us to the next section. Guitar arpeggios and vocal layering characterise the intro to “Part IX – Shadows Cloak the Gospel,” and then develop into an intense prog theme with the guitar as the protagonist. The intensity increases as the song progresses, alternating between sung parts and instrumental sections with good guitar and keyboard impats and a refined vocal. The final section of the concept “Part X – The Unforgivable” is more in the form of a ‘song.’ Positive melodies accompany us to the finale, enhancing the band’s songwriting and with an instrumental section in the middle section with the guitar taking centre stage. In the finale, the vocals return for the last verses and the song and album end pleasantly. A band that confirms the good things heard on previous albums, offering fresh, modern Progressive Rock with personal traits. Instrumental sections and vocal parts intertwine to create an enjoyable concept from start to finish, with a good guitar and keyboard melding, solid and elaborate rhythm sections and a vocal that is an added bonus. A recommended listen for all lovers of modern Prog sounds, with a melodic touch, an engaging record, well composed and performed.
Tracklist
01. Part I – A Legion of Angels (01:07)
02. Part II – The Mark of Cain (05:44)
03. Part III – Alone (03:52)
04. Part IV – The Chains (06:41)
05. Part V – One Last Thing (05:25)
06. Part VI – All Because of You (04:09)
07. Part VII – The End of the Age (03:38)
08. Part VIII – Back (04:16)
09. Part IX – Shadows Cloak the Gospel (04:56)
10. Part X – The Unforgivable (06:38)
Lineup
Robert James Moulding / Vocal, Guitar, Percussion
David Eaton / Keyboards, Soundscapes, 12 String, Bass Pedals, Vocal
Douglas Skene / Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Vocal
Dean Bennison / Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Vocal
Anthony Stewart / Bass, Vocal
Steven Eaton / Drums, Percussion, Vocal
With:
Becky Bennison / Vocals (7,8)
