Keyboardist Ivar Pijper writes or co-writes all but one of the songs, but the arrangements spread the focus among all instruments. The melodic lines of Pijper's keyboards and Rory Hansen's guitar keep the instrumental metal uncommonly engaging. Hansen plays rhythm guitar with tight, melodic metal chops like late 80s Fates Warning. Some album reviews have superficially and misguidedly compared him to fusion legend Allan Holdsworth, but Hansen's smooth lead style is more crisp than Holdsworth's liquid, saxophone inspired tone, and he perfectly compliments the melodic crunch of Anomaly's music. The sharp rhythm section work of both bass and drums leads the guitar without missing a step.
Anomaly sounds clear and dry, retaining a pure tone and sound that places the focus on their music.
The heavy yet articulate guitar sound represents an ideal crunch tone, and the bass projects openly on high, melodic passages as well as low bass lines. Some odd choices of synth texture occasionally draw attention, but the electric organ, clean piano, and analog synth patches appropriately complement the feel of the music. The mature song writing, playing, and production of Anomaly's self-titled debut CD compares very favorably to the few instrumental metal bands out there today. It retains metal, rock, and jazz and fusion elements without leaning excessively toward any one of those styles. All About Jazz and contributing writers.