CoC : Anathema - Resonance : Review

Anathema - _Resonance_
(Peaceville, 2001)
by: Pedro Azevedo (9 out of 10)

When I received my advance promo copy of _Resonance_ (which isn't coming out until October) in June, I wasn't aware of the fact that there would also be a part two of this compilation -- all it says on the promo is "Resonance". Therefore, all the more surprised was I upon inspecting the track list: the compilation opens with "Scars of the Old Stream", followed by Anathema's three Ruth songs (which feature only her vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar). This sets the tone for the rest of the disc, which turns out to be the more tranquil half of what I was later to find out will be a two-part compilation. The potential for a brilliant part two is massive, but the disc at hand is itself a great concept. Those familiar with Anathema will know what I mean, as the other tracks featured here include the acoustic versions from _Eternity_ and the _Peaceville X_ covers, as well as several instrumental tracks and the orchestral version of "The Silent Enigma". Towards the end, a live rendition of "Angelica" again shows how much character this compilation has: it would have been easy for Peaceville to find a nicely recorded live version of this brilliant track, but instead the one they did use has terrible sound quality. Why? Because the idea is that you hear the Japanese audience going absolutely -crazy- throughout. Definitely not a track I'll listen to very often, but even if you go for the stop button before this live track you'll still get a fair amount of music. More importantly, this is special. Anathema have always been a very special band in many ways, able to touch that emotional spot like perhaps no other, and this is a special compilation that goes a long way towards capturing that.

(article published 12/8/2001)

CHATS
8/12/2001	A Bromley	Anathema: Inner Resonance
7/8/1998	P Azevedo	Anathema: Delusions of Silence

ALBUMS
11/27/2012	P Azevedo	7	Anathema - Weather Systems
12/8/2010	P Azevedo	9.5	Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here
9/17/2008	P Azevedo	9	Anathema - Hindsight
1/31/2005	P Azevedo	9	Anathema - Were You There?
1/30/2004	P Azevedo	8	Anathema - A Natural Disaster
7/3/2002	P Azevedo	9.5 / 9	My Dying Bride - For Darkest Eyes DVD Anathema - A Vision of a Dying Embrace DVD
10/19/2001	P Azevedo	7.5	Anathema - A Fine Day to Exit
7/7/1999	P Azevedo	9	Anathema - Judgement
7/8/1998	P Azevedo	9	Anathema - Alternative 4
2/4/1997	P Azevedo	8	Anathema - Eternity

GIGS
5/29/2009	P Azevedo	Anathema / Oblique Rain / Leafblade	Sunset of Age Is Still Far Away
1/14/2002	P Azevedo	Anathema	Their Special Friend Pinky
11/20/2000	P Azevedo	Mayhem / Anathema / Hatesphere / Bronco Busters	Judgement Night