NUCLEUS

There is something bemusing about the abstract and dissonant sounds on Anekdoten's second studio album 'Nucleus', a 1995 recording recorded by the same lineup as the band's fantastic debut release 'Vemod'. Now, this band is one of the jewels of the underground progressive rock revival of the 90s and the immense qualities of their entire catalogue are undisputed. However, not every single corner of that catalog is as brilliant as that exemplary debut album, and the first sings of "sonic dissolution" are to be found on 'Nucleus'. Generally expanding the sounds established with the previous album, this recording features updated variations of that manic, abrasive and riff-heavy approach to progressive rock, preserving the sweeping mellotrons as well as the unfiltered melancholy of the band's lyrics and lonesome soundscapes, which makes this a great follow-up that indicates the extent of experimentation within the Anekdoten formula.

Nevertheless, 'Nucleus' jumps back and forth between impressive and memorable songs and some inconsistent compositions, which results in a somewhat mixed critical reception, with some fans enjoying the degree of frivolous experimentation, while others would prefer a more discernible rock sound. One feature of this album, characteristic of its separation from 'Vemod', is the focus on heavy writing, with many of the instrumental sections on here approaching what might be seen as avant-prog with their upfront heavy guitars and massive bass tones, resulting in some truly wild and even violent passages. Opener 'Nucleus' is a good example of that dynamic and heavy style, together with the shorter instrumental 'Rubankh'. Longer songs like 'Book of Hours' and 'This Far from the Sky' rely on a steady build-up and a sudden explosive burst of sounds, all while the mellotrons penetrate the music. The desperate mood of the wallowing 'Here' and closing track 'In Freedom' definitely seems to be a reminiscence of 'Vemod', while 'Harvest' remains the most chaotic song of them all. Weighing out everything this album offers, one could certainly conclude that 'Nucleus' is a stunner, an excellent and heavy offering from a band establishing a style of their own.

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