‘‘We’re Here Because We’re Here’ is Anathema’s most expansive album to date and by the far best thing we’ve ever done. Not only have we improved as writers, but because we took our time, we had the opportunity to select the very best material and concentrate on it. We gave the songs the chance to breathe and come alive by themselves and it’s ended up being magical – every song is as good as the rest of them. This album features the best performances by the band ever; Vincent’s greatest vocals and John’s and my best writing” – Danny Cavanagh

Vincent goes further in explaining the origins of the album’s enigmatic title:

“The title ‘We’re Here Because We’re Here’ is inspired by a song that was first heard across the Allied trenches of World War One. Sung to the tune of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, the song served as a defiant rallying-call keeping up the morale of those who had to endure the incessant carnage and almost unimaginable horror. The spirit behind those words, and the deep questions they raised immediately struck all of us. Therefore we have appropriated these words to reflect the spirit and bond that all six members of the group have with each other. We have shared some incredible experiences, on all levels, and the fact that we have emerged stronger, more determined, and confident in our common vision is a testament to our resilience, both as individuals and collectively”

Danny continues:

“The bond is deeper than the music and you might say the direction of music is a product of our connection to each other; a real family in every sense of the word.”

With that in mind the band can announce that John Douglas’ sister Lee has joined the group on a full-time basis. She had this to say of her involvement:

“It’s great to be more involved musically, and I feel that my vocals are adding a new presence and depth to the dynamic of the group. I’m in it for the long haul, so bring it on!”

The self-produced album was mixed by Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and features the exquisite string arrangements of Dave Stewart (Stewart/Gaskin, Porcupine Tree) and mastering skills of legendary Jon Astley (The Who, Led Zeppelin). The song ‘Angels Walk Among Us’ features subtle backing vocals by Ville Valo of H.I.M.

Full track listing is as follows:

Thin Air
Summernight Horizon
Dreaming Light
Everything
Angels Walk Among Us
Presence
A Simple Mistake
Get Off, Get Out
Universal
Hindsight

Pre-order details will soon be available on the Anathema official site.

Anathema’s Danny Cavanagh & The Gathering ex-singer Anneke Van Giesbergen will be teaming up again for a couple of special shows NEXT WEEK to celebrate the release of their new live album titled “in Parallel”. The dates are:

September 24 – ANTWERP, Belgium (Pandemonium)
September 25 – EINDHOVEN, Holland (Dynamo)

The album features live versions of classics from Anathema, Agua de Annique and the Gathering, along with cover versions such as ‘Teardrop’ (originally written from Massive Attack) and Damien Rice’s ‘The Blower’s Daughter’. The album has 15 tracks running over an hour in length.  The album was recorded at the Little Devil in Tilburg, March 2009.

Tracklist of in Parallel:

Teardrop
You Learn About It
Temporary Peace
Yalin
Songbird
Big Love
The Blower’s Daughter
One Last Goodbye
Are You There?
Day After Yesterday
A Natural Disaster
Lost and Found
Flying
Jolene

You can order the album from Agua de Annique webshop and you can listen to some tracks from the album from Anneke’s Myspace.