Anathema/Alcest/Mamiffer

A self-described "atmospheric rock band," Liverpool's Anathema plays the kind of classically inspired heavy metal that just reeks of pretension. Appropriately, the band's newest release is a live album that pairs it with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra to play an ancient Roman Theatre in Bulgaria. It comes off as a rather highbrow ordeal. Admittedly, band members are rather skilled musicians and guitarist Vincent Cavanagh, who sounds a bit like Yes's Jon Anderson, has a terrific upper-register voice. The guys are hugely popular in Europe so seeing them at Peabody's will be a real treat. (Niesel)