Band:	Anathema
Album:	Judgement
Style:	Doom metal, Atmospheric rock
Release date:	June 21, 1999
A review by:	Dream Taster

01. Deep
02. Pitiless
03. Forgotten Hopes
04. Destiny Is Dead
05. Make It Right (F.F.S.)
06. One Last Goodbye
07. Parisienne Moonlight
08. Judgement
09. Don't Look Too Far
10. Emotional Winter
11. Wings Of God
12. Anyone, Anywhere
13. 2000 & Gone
14. Transacoustic [bonus]

English doom masters Anathema released Judgement in 1999, following 1998's almost perfect Alternative 4. The challenge of that new album was huge as it was hard not to release a new Alternative 4, but still, without making something totally different. Once again, the Cavanagh brothers show us how to compose music with talent.

With songs such as 'Forgotten Hopes', 'Destiny Is Dead' or 'One Last Goodbye', you're aware that Anathema is still a doom band. Nevertheless, Judgement sounds more various than Alternative 4, and also less depressive. The first song - 'Deep' - is a good example of what I'm talking about. Some songs sound almost happy ['Anyone, Anywhere', '2000 & Gone']. But it's not worth speaking about each track of the album: they are all outstanding. However, I want to say that 'Pitiless', 'Forgotten Hopes', 'Emotional Winter' and the almost progressive 'Judgement' are my favorites from the album.

Judgement happens to be Anathema's best release to date. The album has everything you can expect from the band: great songs, huge sound, sad and haunting melodies, beautiful acoustic guitars and piano... Another positive point about this record: all Anathema's fans agree to say that it's the one with the best vocal performance from Vincent Cavanagh. Because sad is beautiful, Judgement reigns over doom metal. Experience it...