Anekdoten - Chapters (2009) [Reissue 2017]

It isn't hard to understand why some goth rock, darkwave, and gothic metal fans have been drawn to Anekdoten. Their music isn't goth rock, darkwave, or gothic metal; they are a progressive rock/art rock band that has strong '70s leanings and has been greatly influenced by King Crimson (with hints of Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull). But because their material tends to be melancholy, dark, and gloomy, some goth rock and darkwave enthusiasts have embraced them. And while Anekdoten's work has never been groundbreaking, much of it has been of a high quality. That high quality is evident on Chapters, a two-CD anthology that was assembled in 2009. Chapters ranges from previously released recordings from the '90s and 2000s to some previously unreleased rarities, including an alternate mix of "Sad Rain" and demos of "Book of Hours," "Prince of the Ocean," "This Is Far from the Sky," "Thirty Pieces," and "Nucleus." Because all those rarities are included, Chapters isn't really a best-of and isn't recommended to casual listeners; a true best-of would take more of an "Introductory Anekdoten 101" approach. But for someone who has more than a casual interest in the Swedish prog rockers/art rockers, Chapters is an enjoyable listen -- enjoyable because of the rarities, and enjoyable because of previously released tracks such as "A Sky About to Rain" and "Every Step I Take" from 2007's A Time of Day, "The War Is Over" from 2003's Gravity, "Wheel" from 1993's Vemod, and the title track of 1999's From Within. Anekdoten have always been derivative, but they're pleasingly derivative -- and the Swedes' strong sense of musical craftsmanship is evident throughout this two-disc collection.