JUDGEMENT

This is my favourite ANATHEMA album followed by "Alternative 4" and "A Fine Day To Exit". I find this to be the most emotional, and for good reason. The Cavanagh brothers, Danny and Vincent had just lost their mom at the young age of 49. And they dedicate this record to her, calling her "a wonderful mother and a beautiful friend". One of the most emotional songs you'll ever hear in light of this is "One Last Goodbye"'. This is a song I would play at a funeral for one of my loved ones. It consists of five lines and it's important to me to print them here. "Somehow I knew you would leave this way. Somehow I knew you could never stay. And in the early morning light. After a silent, peaceful night. You took my heart and slipped away..." Written by Danny Cavanagh.

"Deep" is a great way to start the record, the vocals and acoustic guitar are soon overtaken by force by the electric guitar and drums that empower the rest of the song.This whole album sounds so powerful with a nice heavy, dark sound. They step it up a notch on "Pitiless" as it begins with bass, guitar feedback and then fantastic vocals before Danny on his guitar just about starts a fire with a blistering, scorching guitar solo. Unbelieveable ! You think he's not playing with emotion ! "Forgotten Hopes" is a beautiful song with acoustic guitar and lots of synths as vocals come in. Some brief power after 2 minutes. "Destiny Is Dead" is a short instrumental that is quite dark. "Make It Right (F.F.S.)" haha, is a nice mid-paced tune with vocals. I like the synths that come and go. "Parisienne Moonlight" features piano melodies with female and male vocals. Emotional track. "Judgement" actually gets faster and heavier as the song plays out.

"Don't Look Too Far" could be a RIVERSIDE tune. It contrasts the mellow sections with male vocals, with the more powerful passages when female vocals join in. Great tune. "Emotional Winter" has so much atmosphere, it reminds me a lot of PINK FLOYD. It becomes more powerful 3 minutes in. The contrast continues. "Wings Of God" opens with passionate vocals and screaming guitar. It does settle as the contrast continues. "Anyone,Anywhere" opens with a lone guitar melody, as reserved vocals then piano joins in. It kicks in powerfully after 2 1/2 minutes. Nice. It settles down again. "2000 & Gone" is an instrumental and the final track. It's actually fairly laid back and dark with lots of atmosphere.

I just love the sound of this album, it's crystal clear. It is often after a tragedy that an artist will come up with his best work. I think this is the case with the great ANATHEMA.