Anathema � Judgement 
Label: Koch Records/Music for Nations
Rating: 

Tracks:
Deep
Pitiless
Forgotten Hopes
Destiny is Dead
Make it Right (F.F.S.)
One Last Goodbye
Parisienne Moonlight
Judgement
Don't Look Too Far
Emotional Winter
Wings of God
Anyone, Anywhere
2000 & Gone

Anathema has been kicking around the underground for almost a decade reaping critical praise and fan loyalty, often being called the most underrated band in the world. While I wouldn't go that far in my assessment, I believe that honor belongs to Enuff Z'nuff, Anathema does create thoroughly impressive music. Sadly, the music falls in line with bands like Queensryche and Marillion two bands that have had a hard time finding a mainstream audience in the 90's. This isn't for lack of substance, in fact the problem that they have too much substance. The masses don't crave thought provoking lyrics, world class musicianship and elaborate arrangements, if that was the case then Anathema would be at the top of the charts. With Judgement Anathema deliver 13 songs that strive to go deeper than your ears, they want to touch your mind and soul. This isn't cruising or party music it's more in the line with contemplative nature of bands like Kansas, Rush, Dream Theater and the Moody Blues. You really can't take anything away from Anathema with this latest offering; they are staying true to their hearts and not selling their integrity for fame and fortune. Songs like Deep, Wings of God, Forgotten Hopes will easily become classics to diehard fans and serious music lovers, but they don't contain the poppy choruses that make Billboard hits, then again great music has snuck onto the charts before, so there is hope for crossover success. The bottom line is Anathema is music for people who love music, it's not for those who subscribe to the room temperature IQ mentality of Limp Bizkit or Kid Rock. 
 

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