THE UNFORGIVABLE

Modern databases reveal a staggering excess of two dozen bands that have chosen ANUBIS as their moniker but perhaps the most persistent and presently well known of this long list of bands of varying genres are the Australian neo-proggers who have existed since 2004 after forming in Sydney and slowly releasing one high calibre album after another. With quality over quantity gracing the band's canon that began in 2009 with its acclaimed debut "230503," ANUBIS has continued to the modern era by consistently adding new variations to its overall neo-prog theme and four years after its last release "Homeless" finally has unleashed a new bonanza of neo-prog splendor in the form of THE UNFORGIVABLE. And yes, they can be forgiven for the long wait!

This 7th album in the band's canon delivers another narrative concept album format that tackles the subject matter of a young man who falls to the clutches of a religious cult called The Legion Of Angels, his dismay as he realizes its toxic psychological effects and his ultimate escape which allows him to take control of his life again. Taking on the 21st century style of neo-prog that carries on the traditional attributes of heavy atmospheres and instantly addictive hooks, THE UNFORGIVABLE also embraces the world of heavy guitar riffs bordering on progressive metal but only used in small doses for contrast and benefiting from a stable lineup since 2017's "The Second Hand" has become a well-oiled machine with all the musicians in top form as well as lead vocalist Robert James Moulding delivering some of his most passionate and confident performances since the band's earliest years.

While engaging in the basic formula that has served the band well over its six album run, THE UNFORGIVEABLE doesn't deviate significantly from the stylistic approach that ANUBIS has carved out for itself in the world of neo-prog so don't expect any sudden forays into polka, Tuvan throat singing or Bavarian yodeling sessions. This is a traditional sounding neo-prog affair through and through and taken in that context ANUBIS successfully delivers another roster of 10 well-polished tracks that coalesce into the overarching theme. The tracks are all designated a primary title of "Part I," "Part II" etc with secondary titles that insinuate a multi-suite album that really features a single track broken up into individual tracks. The theme is one many can relate to as religion and spiritual mind control tactics have proven to be highly effective in hijacking another's will power over the history of humanity therefore i'm sure everyone can relate to this storyline whether on a personal level or by knowing someone who has fallen victim to such predators.

While thematically sound, the musical procession is also exquisitely performed and although descriptively identical to previous releases actually comes off as more passionate, more soulful and more addictively melodic than the band's recent output at least to my ears. The production is also notable with a rich wealth of synthesized atmospheric layering effects that pacify the usual Floydian space rock gentleness and Genesis pastoral motifs that have kept neo-prog in the prog limelight since the Fish-era Marillion years. One of the traits that has increasingly tested the patience of the casual prog lover bombarded with more shopping opportunities than in any other period in history has been the propensity of neo-prog to create over bloated albums that run an hour's playing time or even more. THE UNFORGIVABLE takes the sensible approach of keeping the playing time to a traditional vinyl LPs running time, in this case about 46 1/2 minutes which serves the old adage of keeping them hungry so they don't burn out very relevant.

To those unaccustomed to the subtleties of the neo-prog universe THE UNFORGIVABLE may sound like any old neo-prog affair and actually they wouldn't be wrong as there's nothing revolutionary here or even remotely experimental even by ANUBIS' own standards however what is apparent is that the level of quality has been tended to on multiple fronts making this sixth installment of the band's canon quite an enjoyable romp through the world of melodic prog. While i don't think the band will ever top its first two releases i do have to declare that i am always pleasantly surprised how easy it is to sit through an ANUBIS album as each release tallies up all the essential ingredients of a great melodic prog album and then delivers the goods and this one is no exception. ANUBIS has delivered another winner with no signs of losing steam.