Reviews list for Anathema - Eternity (1996)

Eternity is somewhat of a transitional album in Anathema’s discography (though what isn’t, with how often they changed sounds). This one is quite a big shock though, coming from the Death Doom of The Silent Enigma. Here, Anathema have completely fused Doom and Gothic Metal, and added in liberal amounts of Progressive Rock and ethereal ambience. And that last bit is very important; in stark contrast to The Silent Enigma’s deathly, ominous shadow of despair, Eternity is an ethereal, atmospheric, bittersweet cry of passion.

Although still very doomy and quite heavy in places, Eternity is elegant and airy. This is so well displayed in the intro and following track Angelica. Familiar, plodding Doom drumming and chords back an otherwise heavenly, melodic piece of music, as a slow lead guitar melody weaves through its golden air. The vocals are another important part; so poignant, full of passion, grief, and love. The rest of the album follows a similar pattern, combing the familiar Doomy drumming, guitar chords and general atmosphere of melancholia with nearly the polar opposite in graceful synths and gentle lead melodies, always contrasting this bitter sense of loss with unending love and hope. This was really a landmark release in the more melodic strains of Doom and Gothic Metal.

This one doesn’t get as much love as either the album before nor the many after, and I will never understand why. It was such a unique, unforeseen progression of the Gothic Doom genre and remains a unique and beautiful release. The album sounds super dated, especially because of those cheesy synths, and I LOVE it that much more for it. Even the album cover. It just screams this 90’s aesthetic. Wonderful, wonderful album.

While the production wasn't ideal & Vincent's vocal skills were a little immature, Anathema more than made up for those shortcomings with high quality song-writing that's simply dripping with emotion. Tracks like "Eternity Part II", "Suicide Veil", "Eternity Part III" & album highlight "Radiance" are stunning efforts that show the band's new direction to be both exhilarating & surprisingly well-defined. There really aren't any weak songs although closer "Ascension" & cover version "Hope" are probably a little less effective than the rest. "Eternity" is often regarded as a transition album & it is to an extent but there's really a lot more to it than that. It possesses immense depth & a grandeur that is continually pulling on your heart strings. I can't deny the emotional attachment I have to this record. It's an underrated gem as far as I'm concerned.