Anathema
Serenades

THE REVIEW

Eleven years have passed since its release, but SERENADES still leaves an impression, perhaps because it's Anathema's debut.

Now, many of those who will read this review will only know the current Anathema.
Well, forget them because at the time, Anathema was far from the artistic evolution that made them what they are now; indeed, back then, the band could still be considered a pure Doom Metal group (they themselves would later author one of the absolute masterpieces of the genre with the subsequent and unreachable "The Silent Enigma").
If you loved Alternative 4 or better yet Judgement, you will struggle to approach this album.
The differences are vast, starting with the use of Death Metal-style growl for the vocal parts (in this album, the band's first singer Darren White still sings, and not the better Vincent Cavanagh, who here is relegated only to the guitar).
Another element of undoubted interest is the lyrics, centered on the theme of lost love, stunning and annihilating in all their pessimism.

Musically then, SERENADES is a demonstration of what Anathema was for the English Doom Metal scene. The abyssal bass lines and the classic "moans" of the guitar are all already present.
The album also offers us great tracks and at least two absolutely valuable gems. First of all, SLEEPLESS, one of the band's most famous tracks, and THEY DIE, the masterpiece of the album.
The track unfolds slow and dark until it drowns in the blackest despair in the finale, where the splendid and moving keyboard work stands out.

Ultimately, SERENADES is just the first step in a journey into the territories of disillusionment and desperation of living that will continue with the subsequent masterpieces: The Silent Enigma and Eternity.

"They die.......They will always die"