Anathema — Alternative 4 (1998)

intothewellsabyss
Jun 22, 2023
2 min read

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

25 years ago this week, “Empty” “Fragile Dreams” were had, casting a “Shroud of False” “Regret”!

On June 22, 1998, Anathema released their fourth full-length solo studio album “Alternative 4” via Peaceville Records. Like “Eternity”, “Alternative 4” is sung with clean vocals. Various reviews categorised this album as experimental, depressing and atmospheric.

Background:

The title of the album is derived from Leslie Watkins' book Alternative 3. Bassist and co-principal songwriter Duncan Patterson had read it a few years before they wrote the album. The book is about conspiracy theories, and most songs on “Alternative 4” are about trust. Patterson is now playing in a band with same title, and the songs are based on similar themes.

It is the last album with Patterson, and also the only album released without John Douglas. He was replaced by Shaun Steels in 1997 but returned in 1998.

During this time the band underwent many line-up changes. Bassist/keyboardist/songwriter Duncan Patterson quit due to musical differences and was replaced by Dave Pybus of Dreambreed (and Cradle of Filth), a band which Duncan had played bass for during a short period, and not long after this Martin Powell (who had played keyboards and violin for My Dying Bride previously) joined the band for live performances.

Critical Reception:

“Alternative 4” was met with mixed reviews upon its initial release, while retrospective reviews have praised the album, with some hailing it as a masterpiece. One such reviewer was Murat Batzman, who’s review at seaoftranquility.org stated just that; “Alternative 4” is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It remains as unique as it was when it came out because the tension, beauty, chaos, and melodic sensibility it encapsulates sets it apart from any other album in the Anathema catalog, if not the entire metal genre.

Another reviewer at Metal Storm writes; “Alternative 4” still holds a special place in my heart. It's up there with “Eternity” and “Judgement” as one of Anathema's best records, and was even seen as their breakout album among fans, containing the band's most well known signature songs. Arguably, it's another underrated gem of Gothic Metal for the added elegance it provides from not just its atmosphere and vocals, but it reached My Dying Bride levels of gothic depression. “Eternity” may be my favorite Anathema record, and one of my favorites from this style of metal, but from a production, vocal, lyrical, and musical standpoint “Alternative 4” is a far superior album.”

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

Click this link to listen to “Alternative 4” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/alternative-4/110820843

Click this link to follow Anathema on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anathemamusic/

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells