4+ An Emotional Rollercoaster - I got this strictly on the fact that I am an avid Antimatter fan and know there is a big connection between them and Anathema due to Patterson s existence in both projects. I figured that this may have some of the same traits, as I am a gluten for punishment with this dark, depressing music. I love emotional and honest music, so I figured I would try it.The results are very very good. I like the sadness and emotions portrayed in the lyrics as well as the extremely well done music to accompany such somberness. especially on the track Release with its melodies and smooth guitar work. I really like the heaviness in some spots, but that does not make this a Metal cd by any means. The guitars are electric and the emotions dark, but I have a hard time calling this Metal. You have to have patience with this kind of music, and time to let it sink in. Its not a one spin album. There are layers of emotion flowing through the repetition of the songs. You need to really kick back and let it be the center of your attention, not good background music.I don t, however, have a problem calling it excellent.This only gripe I have, at least on this particular disc (seeing this is my first Anathema purchase) is the very mundane vocals. They hardly add to the songs except to spout out the lyrics. Well, except for on the opening track Pressure . I really like the vocal tracking in the chorus of that song. It fits well. Also the interaction with female vocals in Barrier makes the song mesmerizing. Really nicely done track. Its kind of par for the course with this music style (Like My Dying Bride style. Dark and numb.), but I just think of how good it would sound if there were a more emotional vocalist on the project. Like a Mick Moss (Antimatter) who adds an incredible amount of emotion in his songs through the vocal. But this isn t Antimatter, its Anathema. They knew what they were doing and it was by design I am sure. Its a small issue with an overall beautiful disc. I will definitely buy more product by them. Even the heavy early stuff, seeing I love all types of heavy music. I really love the music on this disc though. Not overly complicated or prog, but it has a way of crawling under your skin and making you feel its intended purpose. Highly recommended for those who like their music on the somber side. Its worth the effort of listening. But not recommended for manic depressives who are suicidal! lol
Underrated album from an underrated band - Listening to this album for the first time in 2008, having pretty much ignored it on discovering Anathema years previously, I can say it s a damn fine piece of work! It rocks out, it has mellow moments and has those memorable Anathema melodies that ll have you humming for days. Criticism of A Fine Day as the disappointing follow up to Judgement is unfair. As a stand-alone piece of work this album is streets ahead of the offerings of most of the current batch of popular rock bands out there.
Masterpiece - A true work of art- Anathema s Fine Day to Exit is both moving and emotional. Yes, the Floyd influence shines through especially on the terrific Looking outside Inside. Vocals are very Water s influenced. And, listen for the hidden track in which the band even tops Floyd on a psychedelic acoustic classic that reminds one of early Floyd. The title song is also wonderful and how it ends with the waves in the backdrop is a real nice touch. This is really a musical band on top of their game. A+
Not the Anathema you may be used to. - Comparing A Fine Day To Exit to earlier works such as Pentecost III, Serenades or the Silent Enigma would not only be unfair, it would be impossible. Gone are the death growls. In it s place is an environment that s strangely tranquil yet compelling. There is a sense of power here too. It would be a grave injustice to cast this wonderful work aside because it doesn t sound like the earlier albums. Other reviews mention Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Porcupine Tree. While there may be hints of these, Anathema is copying no one and is going in a direction all there own.
No exit for anathema - This is a more exprimental record from anathema than their earlyer records. A little more proggresiv elements in it. The songs are fuzzyer and not so clearsounded than on judgnent, less gotich than eternety and silent enigma. This is a new sound in anathemas groving and take you to another level in the music.The records theme is about a fake suicied. It is not so harmonic and mellow than judgment, it`s more rougher songs on this one, still there is deeper and quietnes almost reflection in some parties on this. It`s swinging between aggresion,sadness,melancolic feeling, reflection and hysteria. Maybe it`s because of the records theme the sound is more unclear and muddy. It took me a while to understand this record, when I have listen to it for a while it become more understanding and I become truly to the sound on this album. And for me it`s tell me that this is a good record, it have to grov inside you, then it become`s great. Deatails and harmonics that you don`t heared before will become there for you`re ears and the music becomes more hole and theigt. This is a powerfull record from anathema, lots of energy but have quetness and reflection inside of it self. If you like a theme records you`ve will like it. A bit like Pink Floyd The Wall in it`s composition. I recomend you this one. Great songs on this record is:Pressure,Looking inside out,Panic,A fine day to exit but if you want to understand this record you have to go deeper and listen to the whole album as one piece. Then it becomes great.Enjoy