THE ANCHORET - It All Began With Loneliness

THE ANCHORET

Album: It All Began With Loneliness

Genre: Progmetal

Release Date: June 23rd, 2023

Country: Canada / International

Label: Willowtip Records

Band Links:  WEBSITE / BANDCAMP / TWITTER / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM

Following a spectacular run of critically acclaimed releases from the likes of An Abstract Illusion, Parius and more, Pittsburgh based underground metal specialists Willowtip Records share another musical treasure with THE ANCHORET‘s magnificent debut album “It All Began With Loneliness”. The brand new, international progmetal project around mastermind Eduard Levitsky also features singer Sylvain Auclair (Heaven’s Cry, Karcius), drummer James Christopher Knoerl (Aviations, Gargoyl) and keyboardist Andy Tillison (The Tangent) among others, and combines classical prog rock elements with modern metal energy by melting fusion sax, flute solos, mellotron vibes and heavy riffs to unique, intense soundscapes. 

The whole piece is incredibly creative yet always flowing, with splendid, soulful musicianship and expressive vocals, and offers loads to discover even after multiple listens. But at the end of the day I have to admit that, even though having spent already countless, wonderful hours with this masterpiece, I’m still struggling to find the right words to describe it. 

What actually began with loneliness, as Ed started to write these songs during the lockdown isolation, has become something very special in my ears, heart-breaking and soul healing in one, touching me in a way as only music can do… Highly recommended to dive into their mesmerizing sound layers and see if THE ANCHORET’s music unfolds its magic for you as well.  

Written by Katha (originally for The Progspace)