Vincent Cavanagh - Vocals, guitar
Danny Cavanagh - Guitars, keyboards
Dave Pybus - Bass
John Douglas - Drums
Les Smith - Keyboards

Discography:

1999 'Judgement' 		 
 
Being the most underrated band of the 1990's can be hard to take. For a start, nobody knows you're underrated because you're underrated. This, sometimes, is the affliction of the talented. Without sounding unbelievably egotistical, this is the burden of A N A T H E M A. Born, bred, raised and emblazoned with true Liverpudlian style, these four friends (two brothers) and like-minded individuals are proud of their legendary beginnings, although it can be unfairly judgmental coming from the home town of The Beatles, Cilla Black, the Cavern Club, Melanie Chisolm and current trendsetters Shack.

However, in June 1999 A N A T H E M A released their fifth full length studio album 'Judgement', an album which, for many, was the genre defining rock album of the decade! Recorded at Damage Inc. Studios in Ventimiglia, Italy in February 1999 with Kit Woolven (Thin Lizzy, Cradle Of Filth) as producer, A N A T H E M A took 3 months to record their masterpiece. News that this album was going to be something very special escaped before the album was even finished. Concerts in Italy, during the recording process, only hinted at what was to come.

'Judgement' finally emerged on 21st June 1999 to critical and fan acclaim, many calling it spiritual and inspiring, with the band making 'Album Of The Month' in over 20 magazines worldwide. Anyone who calls themselves a fan of rock music now cites A N A T H E M A as a band at the forefront of the genre.

When the trio, Vinnie, Danny and Jamie Cavanagh, were larking about with an old, and no doubt broken, acoustic guitar or two, few would have imagined that it could amount to anything. But just a year later their first demo was complete. 'An Iliad Of Woes' started to circulate around the underground in 1990. Even at that early stage people spoke of them as being good and promising, but who could predict how much they would achieve.

A second demo - 'All Faith Is Lost' - was produced the following year, a year which also saw their first official release, a 7" single on Witchhunt records entitled 'They Die'. On the strength of these recordings, Peaceville records signed them and immediately released 'The Crestfallen', an E.P. that had been eagerly awaited. It didn't disappoint, and fans now give it the accolade of the ultimate cult release. By now, A N A T H E M A had perfected a unique style, demonstrated on their debut album 'Serenades'. This was quickly followed by the release of a mini-album entitled 'Pentecost III'. Similar in style to the first album, and hinting at their prolific productivity.

The recording process for their second full length album, 'The Silent Enigma', had already started when long time vocalist Darren White left. With an album to record, A N A T H E M A did what they could with guitarist Vincent Cavanagh taking over vocal duties.  The result was a fine piece of work. A natural progression had taken place. Gone was the obscure time patterns and song structures. In its place were more simplified rock/metal anthems, but without losing their poetic uniqueness. The album included the breathtaking song which they end their concerts with, 'A Dying Wish'. People now began to realise that the young band from Liverpool were to one day become giants.

The band's next recording was their biggest departure from their roots yet. 'Eternity' was epic to say the least.  Clocking in at just under an hour (that's not including the digi pack extra tracks), it was full of near harrowing songs about love and death. More Pink Floyd than Metallica, the songs included a cover of a Harper/Gilmour track (Dave Gilmour vocalist with Pink Floyd) 'Hope'. Vincent still held vocal duties, and instead of the near growls of the previous release he approached the mike in a more mature fashion. It certainly paid off. His solemn tones are a high point on an album which for many was A N A T H E M A's lowest emotionally. Messy production gave the album a classic underground sound.  This was the last time it was to happen. On the next two albums A N A T H E M A took on a totally different perspective, greater leaps forward were taken and the band haven't looked back. 'Alternative 4' was the band's fourth album, but it was as fresh as their debut. Moving on again from their previous release, critics hailed it as a phenomenal CD, full of rock gems. But there was still the dark side to the album, as there was with all its predecessors. 'Alternative 4' was their most polished recording yet, it boasts a clean production and Vincent's best vocal performance. This was also the last recording, with A N A T H E M A, for bassist Duncan Patterson. 1999 saw much change. A move to Music For Nations and with new bassist Dave Pybus and original drummer John Douglas behind the kit, the band went to Italy to record 'Judgement'. The previous discs had all been good, but fans knew that the classic, definitive album was yet to come.  But on the dawn of a new millennium and a year before their 10th anniversary the wait was over.

A N A T H E M A have reached some of their goals by doing what every musician should be able to achieve, to write good music. It's only a matter of time before A N A T H E M A start the world stadium tour they so rightly deserve to do.
'One of the best English rock bands around today, bar none' (Terrorizer, July 99) 'Certainly the best album of 1999 so far' (Metal Hammer, June 1999)
'Truly, (Judgement is) an album to wallow in' (Kerrang!, June 1999)
'If you're unafraid of the dark and like emotional, accessible, beautiful rock you deserve to hear this record. It's a classic' (Rock Sound, June 1999)
'Well worth exploring' (Bassist, Aug 1999)

Official Anathema website: listen.to/anathema

Please Note: The use of any of the information, artwork, photographs, music, interviews or videos contained on this site is solely and entirely for home entertainment and educational purposes. Any and all other uses are strictly prohibited without the express written consent of Music For Nations Ltd. 333 Latimer Road, London W10 6RA, England. Zomba Records Group is not responsible for the content on any web sites not administered by Zomba Records Group.