Cons: Obviously, it won't hold appeal for those wanting to throw on carefree and happy music...
The Bottom Line:
Perfection. I listen to this album almost constantly and still want more. Those drawn to emotional, experimental rock music will quickly discover an insatiable appetite for Anathema, especially for Judgement.
Many times, I've found that I disagree with the majority when it comes to deciding on a band's "magnum opus." But when it comes to Anathema, that is anything but the truth. Judgement is unquestionably the most popular, best-received album in Anathema's diverse catalogue, and I can say without hesitation that it is also the most perfect Anathema album. Judgement (released in 1999) is in some ways an extension of Alternative 4 (1998) -- it's a foray into alternative, experimental rock music. Extremely heavy on the melancholy and overflowing with true emotion, Judgement is by no means 'empty' music to have on in the background for a fun time. It is a genuine progression of feelings...an experience to be savored.
Generally speaking, Judgement revolves around despair. It is as simple (or as complex?) as that. Topics tackled on the album include but are not limited to the death of a loved one, failing relationships, and the insecurities that can surface from the feeling of being isolated from the world. An interesting thing to note about Judgement is that even though some music fans don't focus on lyrics, the bleak nature of this music simply cannot be ignored. It is not possible to block it out with Anathema, because the emotion is the heart of the music. The sadness and depth of the words penetrate the music, the atmosphere, every instrument. Every note is drenched in the pure emotion. It is a beautiful thing.
Album opener "Deep" teases with gentle guitars, exploding soon with one of the most memorable choruses of the album. Lead vocalist/guitarist Vincent Cavanagh is wonderful; his voice instantly captivates and the melody is incredible. Immediately following is the most straightforward, 'rocking' song on Judgement, "Pitiless," which pairs soaring vocals with wailing guitars, building to a rather intense crescendo about two-and-a-half minutes into the journey. The slow-paced "Forgotten Hopes" is soft, chilling and unforgettably emotive; Cavanagh's range runs from a despondent 'ahh' sigh to pleading, harrowing cries. The lyrics here are simple, but incredibly poignant -- "Did I punish you for dreaming?" is a line that never fails to resonate with me.
"Make It Right (F.F.S.)" is another example of Anathema's brilliant musicianship, centered around an extremely catchy synth melody, anchored by the blunt lyrics about a rocky relationship: "I know that I want you, I know that I need you, but I can't pretend that this'll make it right." "One Last Goodbye," an extraordinary balladhailed by many as the grand pinnacle of Anathema's songwriting, contains Cavanagh's most urgent, devastating vocal performance and is capped off by a beautiful guitar solo by Danny Cavanagh. The bold, haunting, piano-driven "Parisienne Moonlight" is a duet between Danny and drummer John Douglas' sister Lee. It is only two minutes long and serves as a bit of an interlude, but the impact it makes in that short time is nothing short of astonishing -- something that requires the 'repeat' button time and time again.
Not once does Judgement fall flat. Two songs -- "Wings of God" and "Don't Look Too Far" -- are perhaps a little repetitive and not as tremendously emotionally jarring as the bulk of the album; however, I do not find them skippable by any means. The great musicianship is still there on all counts. "Judgement" is a fitting title track; it truly grabs the listener in the most unexpected of ways. Building ever-slowly with aching, distant guitars, "Judgement" ascends in pace with each second until it erupts, culminating in a fast, frenzied whirlwind of guitars, an array of screams, and speedy drumming. The piano-based tender, yearning "Anyone, Anywhere" is alarmingly gloomy, capturing the true essence of hopelessness, discord and dismay in a really 'human' way -- a way that, I believe, VERY few songwriters have the ability to express. Anathema is made up of incredibly rare talents. When Cavanagh cries out dejectedly, "No, don't leave me here" and "Mankind, with your heresy, can't you see that this is killing me?" before the last few notes wither away elegantly -- wow, what an effect it has.
Judgement has often been referred to as the album that can make the most emotionally distant people break down in tears. I guess it didn't get that reputation for no good reason. Dare I say Anathema is up there with Alice in Chains and The Gathering when it comes to emoting profound emotion into such beautiful musical soundscapes. Judgement is a masterpiece of melancholy, yet it's so easy to get lost in. I would call this album a challenging listen only to those who are turned off by music that is undeniably sorrowful. It is a fantastically composed, rich, wonderful musical experience that I implore every fan of rock and metal music to take part in immediately.
Open laughter held in distant days Eternal stars have changed I know that it can't be the same There's no lament for you tonight......
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