In September of 2012, atmospheric rock act Anathema played at the ancient Roman theatre of Philippopolis with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra, and the event was captured on both CD & Blu-ray. Based on the digital files we were given to review from Kscope, I'm not 100% sure that the entire concert is included in the 2CD set, but if it's not it's damn close to it (full Blu-ray track listing is below). Anathema have been riding a nice wave of success over the last few years, and have become the new darlings of the rock & metal scene. Apparently it's now 'cool' to like Anathema, and though to be honest this band doesn't do a hell of a lot for me, I can totally see the appeal of their music. Lush orchestrations, soaring vocals, memorable melodies, alluring atmosphere, and sweeping musical passages...yeah, it's an accessible style for sure, quite grand & majestic at times, and if there's any band whose music can be labeled 'beautiful', it's Anathema's. Many of the best songs from their last three acclaimed albums, Weather Systems, Falling Deeper, and We're Here Because We're Here are featured in this lengthy set, with the orchestra adding that extra 'specialness' to the arrangements.
If you are a fan, then this is a must own, and a really well done live album. Truth be told, tracks like "A Simple Mistake", "Untouchable, Parts 1 & 2", "A Natural Disaster", and especially "Thin Air" are just marvelous songs made even better with the inclusion of the orchestra behind them. I'll bet the Blu-ray is fantastic as well.
Track Listing
CHAPTERS:
Untouchable, Part 1
Untouchable, Part 2
Thin Air
Dreaming Light
Lightning Song
The Storm Before the Calm
Everything
A Simple Mistake
The Beginning and the End
Universal
Closer
A Natural Disaster
Deep
One Last Goodbye
Flying
Fragile Dreams
EXTRAS:
ENCORE
Panic
Emotional Winter / Wings of God
Internal Landscapes
Fragile Dreams
A NIGHT AT THE UNION CHAPEL
Kingdom
Thin Air
Angels Walk Among Us
A Natural Disaster
Fragile Dreams
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