The classic fourth album from the uk masters of emotional progressive rock and metal.
ANATHEMA formed in Liverpool in 1990, initially under the name of PAGAN ANGEL and grew from a heavy doom / death metal style act into a more progressive and melodic group, blending rock elements with strong atmospherics inspired by classic acts such as PINK FLOYD and RADIOHEAD. The band signed with Peaceville Records after recording the All Faith Is Lost demo in 1991, and are known for being part of the Peaceville doom metal trinity in the early 1990s (alongside fellow UK bands PARADISE LOST and MY DYING BRIDE).
Released in 1998, Alternative 4, Anathema's fourth studio album, quickly became the band's best-selling and most highly regarded release to date. Containing evocative atmospheric passages and emotional Rock anthems, Alternative 4 represented a giant progression from the band's previous work and hinted at the massive changes to come. Displaying a more mature sound than the band's earlier recordings, this is the album that gave birth to the more conceptual approach, that the band took further on such albums as a A Fine Day To Exit and A Natural Disaster. Duncan Patterson was a major writing contributor to the album and this was the last album to feature the bassist (who went on to form ANTIMATTER and then band ALTERNATIVE 4).