Anathema is a leading member of the "doom metal" movement. Hailing from Liverpool, they debuted with the EP Crestfallen and with the album Serenades (Peaceville, 1993), whose gloomy "serenades" are actually imbued with unusual doses of spirituality (Sleepless).
Anathema then achieved a baroque and medieval sound on the mini-album Pentecost III (Peaceville, 1995), a collection of delirious, lengthy, tortured tributes to the style that Black Sabbath invented (especially Momento Mori).
The sound changed dramatically following the departure of singer Darren White. The songs on The Silent Enigma (Peaceville, 1995) are far more varied and melodic than anything on the previous records (Sunset Of The Age, A Dying Wish).
The dreamy pace, atmospheric guitar, symphonic keyboards of late Pink Floyd become a dominant influence on Eternity (Peaceville, 1996), particularly on the title-track.
The sleek Alternative 4 (Peaceville, 1998) and Judgement (Music for Nations, 1999) are disappointing works with the group desperately searching for a new identity. A Fine Day To Exit (Music For Nation, 2001), featuring new keyboardist Les Smith, shows some progress with the 18-minute Temporary Peace. It was followed by A Natural Disaster (2003).
