By Susana Gonçalves 
Some concerts cross our path by chance, without plans or great expectations. I went to this one, specifically, invited by a friend — a long-time Anathema fan — and what seemed like just a night of “support” turned into an unexpected discovery: Haunt the Woods and Weather Systems — two names that, until then, were musically unknown to me.
The evening began with the British band Haunt the Woods. Their sound is an intriguing fusion of progressive folk, alternative rock and prog. With an emotional intensity that’s hard to ignore, their songs gradually built a dense yet immersive atmosphere, moving between calm and explosive energy — much due to the merit of lead vocalist Jonathan Stafford — which captured the attention even of those unfamiliar with their repertoire. Of the songs performed, I would highlight three: The Line, Pt. II — an intense and emotionally charged piece that completely drew me in; Helter Skelter, part of their debut EP The Line and an original track, unrelated to the Beatles’ song of the same name; and Sleepwalking — the final song of the set, whose a cappella performance, with the entire band among the audience, made the moment especially memorable. A short but powerful concert that sparked my curiosity to follow them — and definitely include them in my playlists.
That’s why I’m a firm believer in watching (and supporting) opening acts. Sometimes we walk into a venue as fans of one band and leave with another in our hearts.
With the atmosphere already warm and the room increasingly full, it was time to welcome Weather Systems.
Although I recognise the merit and influence of the Cavanagh brothers’ work, Anathema was never a band I followed closely — purely a matter of personal taste. Nonetheless, it’s undeniable that over almost three decades they built an emotional, atmospheric legacy that won over fans across the globe.
In 2020, to the dismay of their followers, the British band announced an indefinite hiatus, and their final concert took place in Portugal — a cycle that was closing. In 2025, we witnessed the beginning of a new era, fittingly, in the same country.
And so, after five years of silence, Daniel returns with Weather Systems — a new band that carries the introspective essence of Anathema, but with a renewed energy and, aside from drummer Daniel Cardoso, an entirely new line-up: Soraia Silva on vocals and André Marinho on bass.
Despite a hint of nervousness — natural in a debut — every member of the band showed a strong and confident presence on stage. Emotionally present and deeply grateful, Cavanagh even admitted that he didn’t know what to expect in terms of audience turnout, confessing to being surprised and touched to see the room so full. That moment of vulnerability was met with warmth, strengthening the bond between artist and audience.
The setlist aimed to showcase several tracks from the debut album — songs like Synaesthesia, Ghost in the Machine, and what Danny described as the best track on the record and its title piece, Ocean Without a Shore. These tracks, characterised by atmospheric arrangements, subtle dynamics and deeply introspective lyrics, continue to reflect Daniel’s creative identity.
However, it was when they revisited Anathema’s songs that the audience truly erupted. Nostalgia was tangible. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, almost in unison, as the opening chords of songs that defined a generation of listeners rang out — such as Springfield, A Simple Mistake, Deep, Closer and Flying, to name just a few. Even for someone like me, who never followed the band closely, it was impossible to ignore the impact those songs still have — and how powerfully they continue to resonate. The finale was euphoric, with Fragile Dreams closing the night in full glory.
Weather Systems are not trying to erase the past. On the contrary, they embrace it with respect, using it as a foundation to build something new. Danny Cavanagh thanked his brother Vincent, to whom he dedicated one of the songs, acknowledging his skill and admitting the challenge of now performing, himself, songs that once belonged to his brother’s voice.
In retrospect, this concert was far more than a debut: it was a reunion with a legacy, a bridge between past and present, and a promise for the future. Even for those without a emotional connection to Anathema, the symbolic weight of the night was undeniable. Haunt the Woods impressed with their authenticity and intensity, while Weather Systems proved that new life can indeed rise from the ashes of a remarkable project.
These are the unexpected moments that remind us why we keep going to live shows: to be caught off guard and leave with something new in our ears — and in our hearts.
Setlist
All Eyes On Me (Bo Burnham song)
Deep (Anathema cover)
Still Lake (Live debut)
Synaesthesia (Live debut)
Do Angels Sing Like Rain? (Live debut)
Springfield (Anathema cover)
Ghost in the Machine (Live debut)
The Lost Song, Part 3 (Anathema cover)
A Simple Mistake (Anathema cover)
Closer (Anathema cover)
Ocean Without a Shore (Live debut)
Are You There? (Anathema cover) (Acoustic)
Are You There? Part 2 (Live debut)
Untouchable, Part 1 (Anathema cover)
Untouchable, Part 2 (Anathema cover)
Untouchable Part 3 (Live debut)
Flying (Anathema cover)
Encore
Fragile Dreams (Anathema cover)