Anathema, Universal

Anathema

Universal

Reviewed by: Kathleen Larrick

Just in case Anathema’s dense soundscapes, intricate countermelodies and compelling lyrics haven’t been enough to confirm the epic status of their recent albums, the band kicked off their 2012 European tour at no less than Bulgaria’s ancient amphitheatre, situated among the imposing Western Rhodope Mountains. Universal is the film+album of Anathema’s upcoming multimedia release filmed live at the ancient Roman Theatre of Phillippoplis with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra last September. Riding the momentum of the celebrated studio album Weather Systems, the live recording includes performances of “Thin Air” and “Lightning Song” as well as previously unreleased tracks.

Fans certainly need not be reminded that the band has come a long way since 1993’s “Sweet Tears”, but in case your first and last exposure to Anathema was on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball, it would be worth another listen. Their sound has morphed from the abrasive death/doom days into progressive, melodic gothic metal – laden with dreamscape imagery and sparing us the cliché fantasy themes popular to the genre. “A Natural Disaster” lures its listener into a rhythmic, hypnotic state over six minutes of one repetitious but simple 6/8 riff with amazingly accessible lyrics.

Complete with bonus tracks from that evening’s encore and additional material recorded at the Union Chapel show, the audio portion of Universal exceeds epic proportions both in length and content. When the film and audio are released together September 23rd, the spectacle will be complete.

Rating: Bad-Ass