Review Summary: One of the best jazz fusion progressive electro albums ever made.
Thanatopsis is basically Buckethead reincarnated into a jazz rock/jazz fusion with electronic and blues elements. The music here is just as if not more cohesive than anything Buckethead has to offer. This is mainly due to the brilliant musicians behind this project. Travis Dickerson on keyboards does an excellent job here and is the really shining gem. He always keeps a solid melody in the background and adds a world of atmosphere to any moment on this album. On "Vitrecus Humor" there are moments where the guitars are mellow and nothing special but the key work of Travis makes the song a classic. It's as simple as that the guy is genius and a master musician. Travis's ability to glide effortlessly over several technical key notes is like watching a baby take a crap; its just instinctual and seemless. "Pollyanna" is one of the more mellow and smooth tracks off Anatomize that begins with a slow progressive build until the progression pants on, leaving a perfect opportunity for Buckethead to lay out a technically challenging solo that still manages to hold the same emotional impact as its backdrop.
A very enjoyable aspect to Anatomize is the variatability of the songs moods. While some songs are more upbeat, some are mellow, and some are just plain imaginative, exciting, and playful. Take for instance "Prolix Mood" which begins with a catchy opening riff, akin to something the progressive bands Rush or Caravan could create. The dancing-jiving bass lines carry the track very well and allows drummer Ramy Outoun to work his clashes to the songs advantage, laying out a fine foundation to the blissful leads that makes this one of the greatest tracks off this album. "Simper" is another great example of Buckethead at his greatest on this album. The track begins with a mellow western vibe that jumps into a pop rock beat and almost without warning but still fitting, Buckethead rips in with a bluesy solo that is sweeter than stevia, which pound for pound is 100 times sweeter than sugar.
This album is the one that everyone has been looking for. You all want good prog music that doesn't suck and this is it. Get this now.
