Music allows us to channel emotions, thoughts, and truths too transcendent for mere conversation. In essence, it breaks down barriers and enables discourse on a higher plane. Daniel Cavanaugh has always communicated via his music. Throughout three decades as co-founder, lead guitarist, and songwriter for Anathema, he struck a chord with generations of fans, delivering globally acclaimed albums and selling out hallowed venues. Now at the helm of Weather Systems, he brings audiences closer than ever by not only picking up where he left off, but also confidently taking the next step on his creative journey with the band’s 2024 full-length debut LP, Ocean Without A Shore [Mascot Label Group].

“This record is more direct, honest, and from the heart,” he affirms. “It takes you on a journey with some very personal, intense, and emotional songs. It’s spiritual for me. The music is coming from a higher place, so I hope it touches you.”

In 2019, Daniel immersed himself in writing what he believed would be the next Anathema offering. Two years prior, the long-running UK-bred group reached numerous critical and commercial milestones with its final LP, The Optimist. It took home “Album of the Year” at the Progressive Music Awards, marked their second Top 40 entry on the UK Albums Chart, and capped off 2017 on year-end lists from AXS, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, and The Independent, to name a few. In the studio, he hit his creative stride with a myriad of elegantly heavy and enigmatically entrancing material. However, 2020 saw the band agree upon an indefinite hiatus. As such, the majority of Ocean Without A Shore originated during those Anathema sessions.

“It was 80% an Anathema record we would’ve made,” he goes on. “It’s definitely a continuation of what I was doing. I’ll make an analogy. If Anathema was Game of Thrones, then Weather Systems is House of the Dragon. It’s part of the same universe, but it’s a new story. It’s different, because it’s a little heavier. I’ll always play the Anathema songs I wrote, because I love them so much. Weather Systems is the name of our best album, in my opinion. Ocean Without A Shore is like a sequel.”

He finished the music joined by some familiar faces. Once again, he reteamed with The Optimist producer Tony Doogan [Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian] and welcomed Anathema drummer Daniel Cardoso behind the kit and as Live Musical Director.

Now, Weather Systems introduce the album with “Do Angels Sing Like Rain.” On the track, a bright riff snakes around a propulsive beat as Daniel sets the scene, “I just want to stay at the bottom of the lake, angels underneath singing me to sleep.” Accelerating the pace through shimmering keys, the momentum culminates on a cathartic chorus awash in waves of distortion and an overflow of emotions.