Anathema — Judgement (1999)

intothewellsabyss
Jun 21, 2023
2 min read

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

24 years ago today, “Judgement” was passed.

On this day (June 21) in 1999, Anathema released their fifth full-length studio album, “Judgement” in Europe (June 25 in the US) via Music For Nations.

Background:

“Judgement” is the first album to feature Dave Pybus, who replaced bassist and co-principle songwriter Duncan Patterson. Danny Cavanagh took on a larger share of the songwriting duties to compensate for Patterson's departure. It is also the band's first album featuring original drummer John Douglas since his return in 1998. John's sister Lee appears for the first time on this album, albeit in a guest role. She would later become the band's third lead vocalist.

“Judgement” marked Anathema's complete shift from Doom Metal, focusing instead on slower and more experimental songs. This new sound has been likened to artists such as Pink Floyd, Jeff Buckley, and to a lesser extent, Radiohead. Their songs continued to express a feeling of depression and, more often than not, desperation.

Noteworthy:

"One Last Goodbye" is dedicated to Helen Cavanagh (1949–1998), mother of the Cavanagh brothers.

Critical Reception:

In his review for AllMusic, Jason Hundey wrote;

“After the mildly disappointing “Alternative 4”, Anathema strikes back with “Judgement”. Upon first listen, the music and message seem a bit mellow for these doomy Metal moguls. Second listen is like a magical rediscovery of a lost art form, the art of creating simple, depressing hard rock that is so emotionally expressive that it bends one's own constitution. Quiet and introspective on songs like "One Last Goodbye" and "Anyone, Anywhere," Anathema has the ability to spew forth raw, volcanic pain on cuts like "Judgement" and "Pitiless" -- the last of which contains the most heart-wrenching solo the Cavanagh brothers have ever penned. Drummer John Douglas also surprises, making an amazing contribution to the album, by writing two of the most memorable songs, "Don't Look Too Far" and "Wings of God." The first is a gorgeous Porcupine Tree-like tune with somewhat upbeat female vocals and melodies. "Wings of God," on the other hand, seems to be a literal interpretation of the album cover, which appears to be God's blinding eye looking down upon the cursed world. One will be amazed at how unconventionally heavy this album really is. It even has a tendency to sap one's strength, upon repeated encounters. “Judgement” is truly a blinding masterpiece, which pierces the senses with its intensity. Hail Anathema's sorrowful return!”

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

Click this link to listen to the “Judgement (Remastered)” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/judgement-remastered/970424476

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