"Knowing the value of the destination may not make the journey any easier, but it does mean it is worth completing."

Watermark High is the alias of electronic musician/producer, Paul van der Walt.

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.


ANATHEMA - WE'RE HERE BECAUSE WE'RE HERE
‘a glittering masterclass in atmospheric rock’ 9/10 Terrorizer


‘A flawless, life-affirming comeback and a gold-plated contender for album of the year’ 9/10 Classic Rock

‘A dazzling collection of highly-charged, progressive and emotively atmospheric rock songs that rarely dip below the euphoric.’ Rocksound

‘We’re Here Because We’re Here is the finest they have unleashed so far... a stunningly enjoyable album.’ Classic Rock Prog

‘Scouse progsters make a spectacular return... makes a seven year wait feel entirely worth it’ KKKK Kerrang!

‘the mighty Anathema, are back after a seven year recording hiatus with their latest record, the beautiful We’re Here Because We’re Here, and it’s one of the most ethereal pieces of music the band have produced... a welcome return indeed’ * * * * * Big Cheese

‘Anathema are a hidden jewel in the UK’s prog crown.  Their finest album to date... it’s an uplifting and sonically sumptuous rock record that could hardly be more appropriate for these prog-loving times’ Metal Hammer 

‘Everything modern-day Anathema fans will want and embrace: beautifully crafted, emotionally-charged and modern melodic rock of the highest order’ 9/10 Powerplay

‘the results are nothing short of breathtaking’ 4.5/5 Blunt

‘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



Anneke van Giersbergen is a Dutch singer-songwriter, known for her serene yet powerful voice, musical versatility, and captivating stage presence.

Her new album will be titled La Vie, La Mort, L’Amour - French for ‘Life, Death, Love’. This collection of songs will be released as a trilogy. The first EP, La Vie, will be available digitally on February 28.

Anneke comments: “I wrote these songs shortly after the passing of both of my parents and I brought my 8-piece live band into the studio to record them. Last year, I was confronted with some of life’s biggest questions and the doubt that came with my loss. These songs reflect my emotions and thoughts during that challenging time. Musically, I was inspired by the sounds of the '80s and '90s, the music that shaped my youth.”

In 2026, the three EPs will come together to form a full-length album. The release of the third EP will coincide with a physical version containing all the songs, available as a CD Digipak and Gatefold LP.

After thirteen years as the frontwoman for melancholic metallers The Gathering, Anneke ventured out on her own in 2007. Since then, her creativity has known no bounds. She quickly established a successful solo career, while also collaborating frequently with Canadian metal genius Devin Townsend and Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen. Additionally, Anneke has lent her voice to a diverse range of artists, including Napalm Death, Icelandic folk group Árstíðir, Amorphis, and prog legend John Wetton.

In 2019, the Dutch music copyright organization Buma Cultuur honored Anneke with the Buma ROCKS! Export Award, recognizing her as one of the most prominent Dutch artists abroad in heavy music.

The Darkest Skies Are The Brightest, Anneke's 23rd career album, was released in 2021. This deeply personal record captivated her fans once again.

The five reunion concerts that she will perform in August 2025 with her former band, The Gathering, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the classic album Mandylion, sold out within minutes.

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