In the twenty-first century, Anathema have often been mentioned in the same breath as Opeth and Porcupine Tree due to their increased movement towards thoughtful progressive rock structures. It hasn’t always been that way, of course. Like Opeth, the band began life as a totally different musical beast, playing in a melodic death metal style. Shifting line-ups naturally resulted in shifting sounds, and by the time the band signed with the legendary Music For Nations label for their fifth album ‘Judgement’ in 1999, they’d settled on a rather tough but accessible blend of gothy and alternative rock.
Tag Archives: goth
UK Decay: Upcoming live shows
As part of the ongoing promotion for their 2013 comeback release ‘New Hope for The Dead’ (released early summer 2013), UK Decay have a couple more upcoming live shows:
AESTRID – Box
With a huge set of influences from 80s new wave, synth rock (more specifically the more commercial end of Krautrock) and more than a touch of 80s goth and 90s alternative for good measure, this second album from Dutch electronica/alt-rock band Aestrid represents the sound of a band reaching early maturity. Although its base sounds will probably sound familiar to listeners over a certain age, the albums eleven songs blend dense sounds with a sense of optimism in a way that is almost magical.
MY DYING BRIDE – The Manuscript EP
Twenty years into a career of cult stardom, this four track release from Yorkshire’s My Dying Bride continues their ongoing voyage into sludge rock and doom rock territories. Clocking in at over twenty seven minutes for just four songs, some of you will own supposedly full length albums which are barely any longer (Van Halen back catalogue, we’re pointing the finger at you), but despite the extended nature of the tunes, none ever outstay their welcome.
UK DECAY – New Hope For The Dead
They may have only released one full-length album in their original incarnation, but UK Decay influenced a generation of musicians, and along with Southern Death Cult and Siouxsie and the Banshees are considered by some to be the fore fathers of the goth movement. A quarter century on from their last studio recording, the core of the original band reunited for a one off gig and the response was so overwhelming, they soon found themselves making regular live appearances. A new album was, perhaps, something few expected considering the band’s previous output was so scant but the band returned to the studio in late 2012.