Anathema - Serenades (2025 Reissue) (2CD)

In a year marking the 35th anniversary of ANATHEMA's formation, a 2025 double CD edition of Serenades (1993) with new audio master by Jaime Gomez. The bonus disc features rare material from the period, including the "They Die" / "Crestfallen" 7" single, the rare Volume 4 compilation version of opener "Lovelorn Rhapsody", plus additional recordings from the Serenades session.

The classic and sublime debut album of accomplished and emotional doom / death metal from one of the uk's most revered metal acts.

ANATHEMA formed in Liverpool in the summer of 1990 & grew to become a major force in the doom metal genre with their early works, before exploring more rock and progressive elements over time to great success. Harder, heavier and darker than what followed, ANATHEMA's 1993 debut, Serenades, received glowing reviews and, even at this stage, suggested that this was a band who stood apart from their competitors. Original vocalist Darren White said at the time, "ANATHEMA is not just another heavy metal band but a presence and a power in every living spirit." They certainly didn't disappoint, as the album garnered universal acclaim. UK Metal Hammer made it their album of the month, and with the release of the video for Sweet Tears, it wasn't long before Headbanger's Ball took note, airing the video on a weekly basis. This culminated in a live interview and a Peaceville / Headbanger's Ball live spectacular at Nottingham's Rock City with ANATHEMA's label mates MY DYING BRIDE and AT THE GATES. Serenades managed to blend fragility with raging aggression to stunning effect and heralded the dawn of one of the best metal bands in the world. Even at such an early stage in the band's career, it was obvious to all who listened just how special ANATHEMA could be.