ALBUM REVIEW: Anthropocene – Behind Your Fear

It hasn’t gone unnoticed that the 90s and 00s have made a huge resurgence, and as part of that so has everything goth. But what about gothic music? Well 20 years after her work with gothic metal band FLOWING TEARS, vocalist Stefanie Duchene blesses us once again with her haunting voice in new project BEHIND YOUR FEAR. Accompanied by equally seasoned musicians, BEHIND YOUR FEAR display a combination of experience and passion with their self-released debut album Anthropocene.

With a slight variety of backgrounds in terms of genre within the band it would be fair to wonder if this would cause a clash, or a complimentary melting pot of talent. Well, Anthropocene is definitely the latter. All members of the band are able to shine at different points of the album. Tracks One Day, and Heartbeats showcase the melancholic voice, enhanced by the moving piano backdrop, we have come to expect from the icon that is Duchene. Meanwhile the riffs (provided by T. and Moritz of CRIMSON MOON) and drums (by Michael of MY OWN GHOST) pierce through on tracks like Hollow and Shatter Mirrors.

The stand out of the record is truly the album finale, Lullaby. It is a perfect name for a song that puts you at peace, despite the sorrow in the lyrics and the use of a heartbeat to open the track. With the album coming out at the end of September, it would be easy to picture this as part of a soundtrack to a romantic vampire film. It is a fitting ending to an album that merges a range of talents from knowledgeable and talented musicians.

If there was any doubt that BEHIND YOUR FEAR are a group that mean business and have a true passion for the music they create, then Anthropocene throws that out the window. Due to the infancy of the band naturally there are elements that can be explored to add a sprinkle of modernity into tried and tested classics. As a debut record, and for Duchene a new beginning after 20 years, it is a strong start that will draw in fans of classic gothic metal. After all, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

Rating 7/10

Anthropocene is out now via self-release.

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