The Silent Enigma - Anathema

Foreshadowing the significant change in style that would take place, Anathema's "the Silent Enigma" stands as what is possibly their last Death/Doom/Gothic metal album; showing textures of true emotion.

A key change here was the replacement of previous vocalist Darren White, this album was the first to feature guitarist Vincent Cavanagh on vocals. Which I believe to be a good move; and this is evident from his continuation of this role to the present day.

The music itself is interesting; the rhythms and melodies are complex verging on progressive, clean and distorted guitars seamlessly interwoven; bass driving forward each composition from powerful and emotional riff to powerful and emotional riff. Lyrics that flow like pure romantic poetry; atmospheric spoken word, melodic verses and the occasional scream. A truly melancholic tone.

And this is what I feel is lost from metal, this truly saddened tone; not anger; not necessarily the angst shown in little emo bands, but true melancholy. This common trait of Anathema's work alongside the lost heavy sound that they once had; and makes a fantastic album. A great for people who love their new work and those who love their old work.

A true masterpiece for the Cavanagh brothers and their cohorts.