JUDGEMENT

Having pleasantly surprised us three years earlier with the fine "Eternity" album, then developed their new craft further with 1998's "Alternative 4", in 1999 Anathema presented what was arguably their best album to date. "Judgement" effectively consolidates the melodic and harmonic direction signalled by the aforementioned albums, while increasing further the accessibility of the overall package. The change of bassist has much less of an impact than might have been expected given his importance to the song-writing on previous albums, but there is a generally lighter feel here.

We begin in pure acoustic mode with a simple but effective melody on the instrumental "Deep". This segues into the heavy but appealing "Pitiless", where multi-tracked vocals serve to lighten the piece well. The linking of the tracks continues for "Forgotten hopes", which blends the acoustic and heavier electric guitars superbly. These connected songs form a fine opening suite which flows seamlessly from track to track. This section concludes with a further brief acoustic song "Destiny is dead".

"Make it right" is a lush, symphonic number with layered mellotron like sounds which wash over the listener. Paired with the following "One last goodbye", the two songs form an emotionally charged core for the album. "Parisienne moonlight" is quite the most delicate piece the band have recorded. A simple male/female vocal duet with accompanying piano, the song is a million miles from the growling of the early days.

The title track begins in acoustic mode, but the drums soon signal a complete change, the song becoming a post rock driven guitar riff with full frontal drums. While the thumping beat seems rather out of place in terms of modern Anathema, the track does work. "Don't look too far" finds the band borrowing from their Porcupine Tree allies (and thus Pink Floyd), the female backing vocals returning for added effect.

"Emotional winter" delves deeper into Pink Floyd territory, the vocals sounding particularly Gilmour like, while "Wings of God" is a heavier but still supremely melodic number with striking lead guitar. The closing tracks "Anyone, Anywhere" and "2000 and Gone" return us gently to reality with a couple of mood driven softer songs.

Whether "Judgement" is the best Anathema album up to this point is a matter for individual Judgement. In reality, such comparisons are futile anyway. Seen for what it is, this is quite simply a fine album of great beauty which will appeal to prog fans who's priorities include strong melodies and thoughtful arrangements. Recommended.

Share this ANATHEMA review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#175032)
• Buy ANATHEMA music online with PA partners
• Show all ANATHEMA MP3/Stream
• Go to ANATHEMA page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Judgement page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for ANATHEMA related discussions