The Anchoret's Expansive Progressive Metal Blazes "Until the Sun Illuminates" (Early Track Stream)

There’s a difference between progressive metal and metal that’s progressive which runs deeper than semantics. The former involves a heavy interest in progressive rock and jazz fusion that supersedes even the metal influence in certain instances, while the latter is more restrictive and tied to traditions. The Anchoret carve a space in the first category with their new single “Until The Sun Illuminates,” off their debut album It All Began With Loneliness, and we’re premiering it here. The internationally-recorded track flaunts a biting guitar tone and James Christopher Knoerl’s athletic drumming, but don’t let that confuse you; it’s a prog track first and foremost. Keys underpin its crucial moments, there’s a dedicated mellotron solo, and let’s not forget the sax that steals the spotlight in the second half with an evocative yet tasteful feature. Interestingly, “Until The Sun Illuminates” is The Anchoret’s most conventional track off their first album, as others uncork the bottle with flutes, clarinets, and gospel vocals. “Until The Sun Illuminates” is merely the tip of The Anchoret’s daring, saxophone-encrusted iceberg.

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The band adds:

“Until the Sun Illuminates” is our second single from the upcoming debut album IT ALL BEGAN WITH LONELINESS. It is a song about the loss of innocence and how the light in our lives slowly fades away with time. Join us on this musical journey through the stages of grief as we bury the past and dream of a better tomorrow, waiting Until the Sun Illuminates once again.

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It All Began With Loneliness will be released through Willowtip Records, one of the most consistent metal labels in recent years, on June 23.