Some debuts hit you really quickly, but then fade. Some take time to settle, but then stick with you. The debut from The Anchoret is like the latter. It All Began With Loneliness released on June 23rd, and it has really started to stick with me more and more each day.
The Anchoret is one of the new global bands, so the members hail from all over the world. You may recognize some of the members, too. The lineup includes Sylvain Auclair on vocals, James Christopher Knoerl on drums, Andy Tillison (The Tangent) on keys and synth, Leo Estalles on guitars, and Eduard Levitsky on bass.
The band plays an interesting combination of progressive metal with progressive rock and jazz fusion sounds. So, the core of their sound involves crunchy riffs, sprawling passages, and gritty vocals, but they add in other flavors, such as saxophone, flutes, and mellotron. Their metal side reminds me of 2000’s Andromeda in their guitar work and vocals, but they have definite Floydian and Yes tendencies in how they use keys and sax.
This mix is wondrous to behold, having many towering highlight moments. I like how Sylvain’s vocals are slightly gruff, and I’ll even admit that I wasn’t sold on his voice at first, but he’s really grown on me with soulful style. The performances across the board are outstanding, though, with spellbinding keys, powerful bass, intricate and calculated drumming, and magnetic riffs. These musicians sound like veterans.
This is a well-written and detailed record. It All Began With Loneliness has nine tracks and lasts about an hour. That said, it doesn’t really feel that long. I don’t think one half is better than the other, either, as it is a consistent and unified experience. I really like the intro and its follow up, “An Office For…” and “A Dead Man”; these tracks introduce not only the gravy of the vocals, but also the heavier side of the band and the gorgeous harmonies that you’ll find throughout, as well. I really like the chorus on “A Dead Man”. “Until the Sun Illuminates” is a fantastic track, too, with its heavier sound, dirty sax fireworks, and searing synth. I love that one.
My favorite track on the album comes next, though, and that would be “Someone Listening?” It has the biggest hook on the record, the jazziest saxophone, and the most interesting song structure overall. I can feel the emotions in the lyrics deeply here, too, as the vocal delivery really is outstanding here. I love the song’s hanging interlude and powerful transitions.
The last five tracks are all wonderful, as well. “Forsaken” is terrific with its heavy riffs and spectacular synth solo. “Buried” is heavy and driving; I love the drumming especially. “All Turns to Clay” is probably my second favorite overall for its truly crazy saxophone antics and mellotron; the song feels rather foreboding and ominous, and I like that tone with jazzy elements, which isn’t something you hear often. “Unafraid” sounds great with its spacious riffing and appealing flute solo. The closer “Stay” is the ballad of the album, if you can call it that; it’s more about excellent, emotional vocals paired with a great guitar solo. It is a superb ending, bringing the lyrical emotions to a satisfying arc, as well.
The Anchoret have delivered an amazing debut, and I think they deserve more attention. It’s not everyday that you hear these musical ideals combined into a cohesive sound, and especially not within an album that is more than a gimmick. This a high quality, well-conceived album that benefits from committing to a few listens before establishing your opinion.
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The PROG Mind 
Thank you for this review, I think this is an absolutely incredible album and can’t stop listening to it! The sax and flute jams really bring it to the next level for me. I do wish the vocals were mixed a bit louder but that’s my only very minor quibble.
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