Falling Deeper

Following 2008's amazing Hindsight, Anathema have released their second compilation album, only this time focusing on their earliest material from their icy doom metal period. Whilst Hindsight involved songs from Eternity onwards, covering everything up to A Natural Disaster, Falling Deeper features interpretations of their doom era, especially their EPs, Crestfallen and Pentecost III, as well as their seminal full-length album, Serenades.

Their transition album, The Silent Enigma, a great piece of work in its own right, is unfortunately represented with a single tune, "...Alone." However, unlike the original track, which clocks in at a little over four minutes, this one is stretched into well over seven minutes. Cavanagh brothers' sparsely plucked acoustic guitars are set against a discreet keyboard backdrop building patiently towards its apex with sweet female vocals and an orchestral arrangement. Speaking of female vocals, Daniel Cavanagh's long-time partner Anneke van Giersbergen lends her distinct voice to the hauntingly beautiful "Everwake." Her lambent voice is the main melodic tool in the composition and culminates with a stunning finale (check out Danny Cavanagh on Anneke's Pure Air album if you want to hear her in a more vocal-based tune with fantastic acoustic guitars). On the other pieces, melodies are developed in a landscape of acoustic guitars and subdued percussion, all foiled by evocative melodies and subtle themes thanks to what the band calls their lead 'feedback' guitars.

Most of the songs are instrumental with vocal lines weaving in and out briefly during crucial moments. The songs rely on extended piano themes supported by orchestral string arrangements and plenty of acoustic guitars. The band's two doom masterpieces, "Crestfallen" and "Sleep in Sanity," are shortened to three-minute songs, and, therefore, lose some of their magic. It is understandable, though, as it is impossible to effectively transform doom into atmospheric rock. That said, those who have never heard Anathema's earlier material will definitely enjoy the 'new' versions for the strings and vocal harmonies. They sound like totally different pieces in their new format.

While solid in its own way, Falling Deeper does not achieve the same level of brilliance of Hindsight, which actually saw the band change and add melodies and instrumentation to the original pieces without taking away their most immediate aspects. Falling Deeper remains true to the original cuts, but because they are informed by slow, heavily crushing doom passages, those parts have either been cut out or replaced by smooth orchestral sections, which has somewhat detracted from their overall quality. Still, this album is by no means a disappointment and should please the band's fans, especially those who have enjoyed their last set of releases.

The production is marvellous, by the way.

This is an interesting CD in that it takes the early Anathema tracks and just turns them totally around. Its extremely slow moving with some great melodies, orchestration and a very 'peaceful' vibe to the whole thing. The old doom laden tracks with harsh vocals, are now done in lullaby style and/or with the full orchestra treatment. Most of this CD is instrumental.

Not many musical ups and downs. Its a very slow moving glacier. You have to really absorb it or play it as you fall asleep. DON'T operate any heavy machinery when listening to this! If your looking for a real, proper follow-up to 'We're Here....' you may be very disappointed. This is 80% solemn, quiet and hollow in comparison, but has some satisfying moments and build ups. It doesn't have the fixating element to it that 'We're Here..' did. Quality Vocals when present(Especially the female Vocals are really well done. Angelic) and interesting layers aside, Its not nearly as diverse or satisfying.

That being said, they will be very hard pressed to come up with another CD in league with that masterpiece (We're Here...). I don't envy them for having to follow that one. It was brilliant. And these are not newly written tracks. This was not meant to be viewed as their next CD.

This release will definitely close the casket on any of the old 'Doom' Anathema fans (if any were left) as there are no musically heavy moments on this disc. But the interpretations are interesting, Danny Cavanagh's guitars and the orchestra are solid throughout. Its heaviness only comes with what you ponder when listening. It has a lot of heart-string tugging moments. Some songs go a bit long and take a long time to get going ('Alone'), but overall this will hold some of my attention until the next proper release. Just doubt it will get played 1/4 as much.

Okay, I know lots of people are not fond of this album. I know this is the direction the band really wants to take....and most people are taken aback by it's musicality and lack of vocals. I think it's beautiful. I love this album. It is my current fave, and the strings and pianos, accoustic guitars, and haunting vocals take me away from the crap of everyday life. Musically, this album is really quite good. If you want to find it on the radio..yeah..well, not so much. This is the perfect background music for life. I have followed this band for a long time..and enjoy how they explore many types of music. This album to me, is the mature culmination of a group of musicians that make music for the beauty of it, not for what sells. Give it a few listens...it is amazing.

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