Anathema (Music Band)

Anathema is a rock band formed in 1990 in Liverpool, England, under the name "Pagan Angel." The group began its career in the death/doom metal style and shaped its sound with influences from classic doom metal.

Formation and Early Years

In November 1990, they recorded their first demo, 'An Iliad of Woes.' In January 1991, upon the release of the demo, they adopted the name "Anathema" (meaning: cursed or excommunicated by God or the Church). They gained a fanbase in England through concerts supporting Bolt Thrower and Paradise Lost, and began to be heard across Europe. After these performances, they entered the studio to record their second demo, 'All Faith is Lost.' This 1991 release received positive reviews from magazines and fanzines. That same year, the band’s first single, 'They Die,' was released on Witchhunt Records. The initial pressing sold out quickly, helping to establish the band’s recognition. During this period, Duncan Patterson joined the band as bassist, replacing Jamie Cavanagh.

The band caught the attention of Peaceville Records and recorded the track 'Lovelorn Rhapsody' for Peaceville’s compilation album 'Volume 4,' released in October 1992. They subsequently signed a four-album deal with the label, and their debut EP, 'The Crestfallen,' was released in November 1992. Their UK tour supporting Cannibal Corpse was successful and showcased their live performance abilities.

Anathema Band on Stage (Flickr)

Albums and Lineup Changes

The band’s first full-length album, 'Serenades,' was released in February 1993. The album received favorable reviews, and the music video for 'Sweet Tears' was aired on MTV. The band embarked on an extensive UK tour and participated in a special show alongside other bands on the same label, My Dying Bride and At the Gates. They then continued touring with At the Gates in the UK, followed by a short 15-day European tour. Their first major European tour, which included festivals in Romania, the Netherlands, and Belgium, was completed in January 1994, during which they recorded the mini-album 'Pentecost III.' They later performed at the Independent Rock festival in Brazil and gave concerts across Europe.

The release of 'Pentecost III' was delayed until May 1995. While preparing their second album, vocalist Darren White left the band. Rather than recruiting a new vocalist, guitarist Vincent Cavanagh took over vocal duties. Shortly before the album’s release, the band undertook a UK tour supporting Cathedral, giving audiences their first chance to experience the new lineup. Their new album, 'The Silent Enigma,' was released in October 1995. Orchestral arrangements, dark melodies, a wide vocal range, and a more mature lineup marked the band’s artistic evolution. They launched another extensive European tour, beginning with a UK tour alongside Paradise Lost, and also performed at the Dynamo Festival. Their next album, 'Eternity,' released in November 1996, was evidence of the band’s continued musical development and mature approach. The album received mixed critical reception, particularly regarding the bass work.

^{Anathema - Dynamo Open Air 1999 - Netherlands (}SandraRecordings⁾

The fusion of atmospheric instrumentation, melody, and clean vocals with the band’s heavier elements produced an album that marked 'Eternity' as their definitive metal record.

In May 1997, the band released their first music video, 'A Vision Of A Dying Embrace,' which included footage from their concert in Krakow, Poland, supporting My Dying Bride. In June 1997, drummer John Douglas left the band and was replaced by Shaun Steel, former drummer of Solstice. In June 1998, the band released their album 'Alternative 4.' Shortly after the tour began, further lineup changes occurred: bassist Duncan Patterson departed due to musical differences and was replaced by Dave Pybus, who had previously played with Duncan in the band Dreambreed. Additionally, former My Dying Bride keyboardist Martin Powell joined the band, and John Douglas returned to the group.

Some Members of the Anathema Band (Flickr)

Members and Discography

Active Years

1990–2020 (30 years)

Place of Formation

Liverpool, Merseyside, England, United Kingdom

Members

• Daniel Cardoso (2012–present)
• Danny Cavanagh (1990–present)
• Vincent Cavanagh (Vocals, Guitar)
• Daniel Cavanagh (Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards)
• Jamie Cavanagh (Bass)
• Les Smith (Keyboards)
• John Douglas (Drums)
• Lee Douglas (Vocals)

Former Members

• Darren White (Vocals, 1990–1995)
• Duncan Patterson (Bass, Keyboards, 1990–1998)
• Dave Pybus (Bass, 1998–2001)
• Shaun Steels (Drums, 1997–1998)
• Martin Powell (Keyboards, 1998–2000)

Albums

• They Die (1992)
• The Crestfallen (1992)
• Serenades (1993)
• We Are the Bible (1994)
• In the Name of Satan (1994)
• Pentecost III (1995)
• The Silent Enigma (1995)
• Slatanic Slaughter 2 (1996)
• Eternity (1996)
• Alternative 4 (1998)
• Alternative Future (1998)
• Judgement (1999)
• Deep Promo Single (1999)
• Make It Right (1999)
• Resonance (2001)
• A Fine Day to Exit (2001)
• Resonance 2 (2002)
• A Natural Disaster (2003)
• Hindsight (2008)
• We're Here Because We're Here (2010)
• Falling Deeper (2011)
• Weather Systems (2012)
• Distant Satellites (2014)

Awards

The album 'The Optimist' was named Album of the Year at the 2017 Progressive Music Awards.