Liam Anderson doesn’t see boundaries in music—only possibilities. As the sole creative force behind Credible Threat, the Australian guitarist and composer refuses to be confined by genre. On his latest album, Ephemeral Joy, Anderson ties together the crushing weight of progressive and extreme metal with the atmospheric depth of electronic music, the fluidity of jazz, and the unpredictability of experimental sound design.
For Anderson, Ephemeral Joy represents growth, not just in terms of technical proficiency, but in the way he refines his compositions. “I’ve been really focused on making my songs more song-like,” he explains. “Revisiting themes, elaborating on ideas, and adding more structure.” It’s a noticeable shift—while his past work leaned into chaos and complexity, Ephemeral Joy finds its balance in moments of clarity, even as it remains complex.
The album’s influences span a vast spectrum. Anderson credits his exposure to live performances from acts like Tesseract, Periphery, Heilung, and Nile for shaping Ephemeral Joy. But his inspiration isn’t limited to metal. The swirling synth textures and unpredictable rhythmic shifts hint at a love for electronic pioneers like Squarepusher and Aphex Twin, while the harmonic nuances suggest a jazz-infused approach to composition. “If I hit a roadblock while writing,” he says, “I just switch styles—clean section? Add some fingerstyle. Can’t be bothered with more guitar? Write a synth melody.” This instinctive way of working keeps the music fresh and surprising, without ever feeling disjointed.
Handling every aspect of Credible Threat—from composition and performance to production—comes with its challenges, but for Anderson, the rewards outweigh the workload. “I have the final say on everything,” he says. “No schedules to align, no compromises. It’s all mine.” But perfectionism is a double-edged sword. “Sometimes I just have to call it,” he admits, acknowledging the difficulty of deciding when a track is truly finished.
Despite his independent status, Anderson’s work resonates with a growing audience, drawn in by the technical prowess of his guitar work and the emotional depth of his compositions. With another album already in progress, Credible Threat is an evolving entity—one that refuses to sit still for too long.
Have a listen of Ephemeral Joy on Bandcamp. Follow Credible Threat on Instagram.
