Given
Anathema's gradual transformation from gothic doom metal merchants to sophisticated prog rockers over the course of many personnel changes since the mid-'90s, an album like
Falling Deeper was a logical one. The band first revisited select moments from its catalog on the unplugged offering
Hindsight in 2008. For some, it foretold the end. Then the band surprised many by returning in 2010 with new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose on the musically and sonically expansive -- yet utterly accessible --
We're Here Because We're Here, which drew raves from critics. But digging into their oeuvre was an unsatisfied hunger for
Anathema's founding brothers,
Daniel and
Vincent Cavanagh (who are in the company of
Jamie Cavanagh and
John and
Lee Douglas here). For
Falling Deeper they've cherry-picked nine more selections from their recorded history and thoroughly rearranged and re-recorded them with arranger
Dave Stewart and
the London Session Orchestra led by
Perry Montague-Mason. Further, they've enlisted the help of vocalist
Anneke van Giersbergen, formerly of
the Gathering. In essence, this set is for longtime fans only. The music is beautifully arranged, performed, and produced. Textures and atmospheres highlight
Daniel Cavanagh's already brilliant melodies. ~ Thom Jurek
