Anathema - Judgement
Koch Records - 8225 - January 23, 2001
By Adam McAuley
From the instant you gaze upon this strikingly beautiful album cover, you know you're in for something special. Judgement is a standout album in Anathema's discography; one that combines raw, heartfelt emotion and passionate guitar playing in a splendid fashion unlike any other. Vincent Cavanaugh's vocals are at a career high. His performance is commanding and powerful, soaring above the morose elegance created by the instruments. The guitars have an almost divine quality to them, created through dissonant textures and emotive performing. Acoustic segments are sometimes wonderfully woven into the songs, and occasionally appear alone in captivating interludes.
"Deep" is a fitting opener. Imagine Pink Floyd given a more powerful, driving sound, and you have a good idea of what this song, and many of the others on here, sound like. "One Last Goodbye" is one of the most touching pieces ever written; it builds up through charming verses into a superb climax of gut-wrenching solos and riffs. "Judgement" is similar in structure, but more guitar-driven. An epic track and another standout. "2000 & Gone" is a perfectly placed, subdued closing number. It's a good example of an effective, entirely acoustic piece adding a further sentimental punch to an already emotionally wrought album.
The magnificent sound of the Judgement is unparalled in their doomy material, and more recent attempts at commercial pop-rock music. Only Alternative 4 approaches the aura of this release, but it is held back by too many weaker moments and doesn't have the same level of rapture. Of course, many people preferred Anathema during their other phases, but this particular piece of their discography was easily my personal favorite. There aren't many works like this, and it holds special appeal for times of sadness and sorrow because it's such an uplifting experience. One of the best albums of the nineties and well deserving of the score...
9.5/10
Official Kock Records Website
Official Anathema Website
Koch Records - 8225 - January 23, 2001
By Adam McAuley
From the instant you gaze upon this strikingly beautiful album cover, you know you're in for something special. Judgement is a standout album in Anathema's discography; one that combines raw, heartfelt emotion and passionate guitar playing in a splendid fashion unlike any other. Vincent Cavanaugh's vocals are at a career high. His performance is commanding and powerful, soaring above the morose elegance created by the instruments. The guitars have an almost divine quality to them, created through dissonant textures and emotive performing. Acoustic segments are sometimes wonderfully woven into the songs, and occasionally appear alone in captivating interludes.
"Deep" is a fitting opener. Imagine Pink Floyd given a more powerful, driving sound, and you have a good idea of what this song, and many of the others on here, sound like. "One Last Goodbye" is one of the most touching pieces ever written; it builds up through charming verses into a superb climax of gut-wrenching solos and riffs. "Judgement" is similar in structure, but more guitar-driven. An epic track and another standout. "2000 & Gone" is a perfectly placed, subdued closing number. It's a good example of an effective, entirely acoustic piece adding a further sentimental punch to an already emotionally wrought album.
The magnificent sound of the Judgement is unparalled in their doomy material, and more recent attempts at commercial pop-rock music. Only Alternative 4 approaches the aura of this release, but it is held back by too many weaker moments and doesn't have the same level of rapture. Of course, many people preferred Anathema during their other phases, but this particular piece of their discography was easily my personal favorite. There aren't many works like this, and it holds special appeal for times of sadness and sorrow because it's such an uplifting experience. One of the best albums of the nineties and well deserving of the score...
9.5/10
Official Kock Records Website
Official Anathema Website
