Anathema – Falling Deeper – Album Review

After the stunning 2010 release of We’re Here Because We’re Here, getting my mitts on Anathema’s new release Falling Deeper, is probably one of the most exciting musical events of the year on my calendar. As Mr Music, Steven Wilson himself said, WHBWH was ‘definitely among the best albums I’ve ever had the pleasure to work on’ and with that sort of praise, it can only have been a corker. But no use dwelling on the past, let’s see what Anathema’s latest release has in store.

Falling Deeper, following on from 2008′s Hindsight, is a reworking of tracks from Anathema’s earlier years, back in the days where they were the pioneering a new genre of heavy music. Fast forward eighteen or so years, the transformation from their doom metal beginnings is incredible. Supported by a twenty six piece string orchestra, the tracks have been given a complete revamp, demonstrated in the sublime new introduction to ‘Crestfallen’. Already, I am most impressed. Tension builds in ‘Kingdom’, with menacing bass notes booming down from the piano. I love the different moods already featuring in Falling Deeper, the ambient vocals adding to the atmosphere.

Anneke van Giersbergen’s vocals are a stunning addition to this album. Her vocals sound perfect in the gentle musical setting of ‘Everwake’, instantly demanding and attracting your attention. And for anyone who knows my opinion of many female vocalists, this girl must be good. Hauntingly beautiful melodies intertwine with your emotions and at times they are often breathtaking, ‘J’ai Fait Une Promesse’ in particular is a fantastic example, with its spine tingling piano opening.

No words can do justice to this remarkable album, I’ve had trouble finding the right ones to convey just how much I enjoyed Falling Deeper. It’s a completely different sound to the albums of nearly two decades ago, much more ambient and instrumental than previous releases, which may disappoint fans of their doom metal beginnings. For those such as myself, who adored WHBWH, I can’t imagine how it could be anything other than a brilliant album. Just let yourself get lost in this magnificent work of music.

Track Listing

1. Crestfallen
2. Sleep in Sanity
3. Kingdom
4. They Die
5. Everwake
6. J’ai Fait une Promesse
7. Alone
8. We The Gods
9. Sunset of Age