Anathema - Serenades (1993)

I'm quite passionate about everything Anathema recorded from 1992 through 1999, and although many changes were made in the bands line-up and their sound the core of the Cavanagh brothers creativity was always present. Their 2001 attempt at alternative atmospheric rock, 'A Fine Day to Exit' didn't really hit home with me and 2003's, 'A Natural Disaster' was slightly better but it just seemed like they were moving further and further away from their past greatness with simplified musical ideas. I haven't heard their most recent, 'We’re Here Because We’re Here' largely due to the fact that the album title sounds incredibly pretentious and because it was never released domestically, but maybe one day I'll get my hands on a copy.

But never mind the present. Let's hop in the Time Machine and head back to the past.

At the time of this recording Anathema were still just five youngsters (Vincent, Duncan and John were under 20) and after inking a four year record contract with Peaceville the previous year, in February of 1993 Anathema unleashed their debut album, ‘Serenades.’

Serenades is considered by many to be one of the most highly influential death/doom metal recordings along with Paradise Lost's, 'Gothic' & My Dying Bride's, 'As the Flower Withers,' both of which appeared in '91 & '92.

What I find to be so outstanding about this album is the intricate guitar work of the Cavanagh brothers Vincent & Daniel. Almost all of the riffs in this album are just so colossal, strong and heavily aggressive yet depressive sounding that at one moment you might feel inclined to bang your head, but at other times the desire to weep hopelessly with the oppressive sorrows they seem to convey. Meanwhile original vocalist Darren White sang with a low gruff death metal voice and I've always thought these slowly growled out vocals do well in adding a disheartening atmosphere to the album, while at other times his cleanly spoken vocals, which sound extremely sad as well his lyrics spinning tales of lost love and a life of regret are absolutely brilliant.

Having been listening to this album for over ten years now I've always felt the album as a whole is nearly perfect from start to finish, but there is three tracks especially that put me in complete awe every time I hear them. The opener, ‘Lovelorn Rhapsody’ is truly an epic doom metal song as it opens with eerie keyboards then the heavy riffing comes into play and Darren begins to speak in a soft melancholic voice before unleashing low guttural roars of pain. The first part of this song is slow, heavy and disenchanting with some truly gorgeous riffs, however towards the end of the song it becomes much faster and you’ll actually find yourself head banging with mad enthusiasm. I remember this was another one of those songs I used as an alarm clock for many days/weeks in a row back in the day.

‘They (Will Always) Die’ is quite similar to Lovelorn Rhapsody, but forgoes the faster part and ends with an epic and quite touching symphonic outro, though I believe it is just a synthesized piece. Lastly, ‘J’ai Fait une Promesse’ is very similar to the song, ‘Everwake’ found on the, ‘Crestfallen’ EP as this is another melancholic acoustic song featuring the beautiful female voice of session member, Ruth.

There are other notable songs as well like, 'Sweet Tears,' which really isn't depressing in any way, but its still a really great death/doom song, and I guess, 'Sleepless' is the fan favorite from this album though I honestly think its the worst song on the album. Also since you probably have one of the re-issues of the album you might also have the lengthy ending ambient piece, 'Dreaming: The Romance' or perhaps some of the songs from the Crestfallen EP, but apparently at least six different re-issues exist with different bonus material.

At times Serenades is odd and uncomfortable, slow and sad and strangely even hard, fast and heavy, but no matter, its an unsurpassed death/doom metal recording, which means a lot to me.