Anathema Biography

Source: http://home.clara.net/anathema/bandA/front.html

Danny Cavanagh (born 6.10.1972) - guitars
Vincent Cavanagh (born 29.8.1973) - vocals, guitars
John Douglas (born 11.7.1973) - drums
Les Smith - keyboards
George Roberts - session (live) bassist

ANATHEMA hail from the central region of Liverpool, forming as a Heavy Metal Five piece in the summer of 1990. Originally under the name of 'PAGAN ANGEL' their strong sound soon formed into the heavy vein of classic Doom Metal, with a huge background of influences. In November 1990, they entered a local studio to lay down their first demo, mystically titled 'AN ILIAD OF WOES'.

With the release of the demo in January of 1991, they decided to make the name change to ANATHEMA, which originates from a quotation in the bible, meaning a curse by God or the church, excommunication, damnation.

Gig supports were played with bands like Bolt Thrower and Paradise Lost, and a serious fan base was now forming in their home town, growing slowly to make its way all over Europe. With a few more months of gigging and serious rehearsing, they decided to re enter the same local studio to record their now legendary 'ALL FAITH IS LOST' demo. Released in July 1991, it received rave reviews in magazines, fanzines and the underground, gaining the band their first 7" release. Titled 'THEY DIE' and released on Switzerland based WITCHUNT RECORDS, it gained the band even more exposure, and quickly sold out its first pressing.

PEACEVILLE RECORDS then contacted the band, and the track 'LOVELORN RHAPSODY' was recorded at Academy Studios for the PEACEVILLE compilation 'VOLUME 4' ( released in October 1992). ANATHEMA were offered a deal, and soon signed to PEACEVILLE for four albums, which began with the release of 'THE CRESTFALLEN EP' in November 1992. CRESTFALLEN was recorded at Academy Studios, produced by Hammy and the band. A UK tour support of US band Cannibal Corpse proved very uccessful, showing ANATHEMA to be a very strong live act.

Their debut LP 'SERENADES' was completed at Academy with Hammy at the production desk and was released in February 1993. Gaining huge critical acclaim, ANATHEMA entered the Kerrang! indie metal charts at number two, and got METAL HAMMER album of the month. The 'SWEET TEARS' video got big air play on MTV, also being voted album of the month on MTV text. A large UK tour with some European festival dates were played before the bands' appearance on a special MTV HEADBANGERS BALL/PEACEVILLE showcase with label mates My Dying Bride and At The Gates. They then went on to play dates with At The Gates in England before completing another 15 date tour jaunt and another short Euro Fest appearance.

ANATHEMA completed their first full European tour in January 1994 and following festival appearances in Romania, Holland and Belgium, headed straight into Academy Studios to begin recording their long awaited Mini Album, PENTECOST III. The band then jetted off again in August to play the INDEPENDANT ROCK FESTIVAL in Brazil and more European dates.

Delays meant that 'PENTECOST 3' didn't see the light of day until May 1995, by which time the band were recording their full length second album and changes were afoot - vocalist Darren White left the band and it was decided that rather than recruite a new frontman, vocal duties would be handled by guitarist Vinnie Cavanagh. Prior to the album's release, the band undertook a UK tour supporting Cathedral, giving people their first chance to see the new line-up in action.

The new album 'THE SILENT ENIGMA', released in October 1995 was hailed a great success, especially in light of the recent personnel changes and saw a maturing band incorporating orchestral arrangements, dark melodies and a greater range of vocals styles than previously, all of which only hinted at the progression to come.

Following opening for Paradise Lost on their UK tour, the band undertook a full European trek, including a successful appearance at the Dynamo Festival in Holland.

The band's next album 'ETERNITY' released in November 1996, witnessed a greater musical progression and more mature approach than seen before. Receiving much praise (and some criticism) from the media, the mix of atmospheric instrumentals, melody (leading to numerous comparisons with Pink Floyd) cleaner vocals blended perfectly with the band's heavier side to create a truely stunning album. Backed up again by another full European tour and further festival appearances, the band continue to go from strength to strength, with an ever-widening fan base.

May 1997 saw the release of the band's first full length video, 'A VISION OF A DYING EMBRACE', which included all of their promotional videos together with a live performance in Krakow, Poland, March 1996 when the band supported My Dying Bride.

However, success always has a price and June 1997 saw the departure of drummer John Douglas. His replacement was ex-Solstice drummer Shaun Steels. Whilst between drummers, the band recorded three cover songs for the Peaceville 10th anniversary album 'X' - chosen partly due to the lack of percussion, the songs were Pink Floyd's 'One of The Few' and 'Goodbye Cruel World' and Bad Religion's 'Better Off Dead'.

1998 saw the release of 'ALTERNATIVE 4' and further personnel changes at the start of and during the accompanying tour. Musical differences saw the departure of bassist Duncan Patterson. Ironically, his replacement was Dave Pybus from Duncan's other band Dreambreed. In addition, Martin Powell, the ex-My Dying Bride keyboardist was recruited (all be it not full-time) for both studio and keyboard duties. In yet another surprise move, original drummer John Douglas rejoined at the end of the year.

June 1999 saw the release of the new album 'JUDGEMENT', which received rave reviews. The band also made their return to the Dynamo Festival in the same year. Following Martin Powell's departure to join Cradle of Filth, ex-Cradle keyboard player Les Smith (who had previously played with Anathema on tour) returned to the fold as a full-time member of the band.

Shortly before the release of the lastest album 'A FINE DAY TO EXIT', Dave Pybus announced his departure from the band (ironically taking over bass duties in Cradle of Filth!!). No fulltime replacement has yet been announced, although a friend of the band, George Roberts, has stepped in for touring purposes. In addition to their own headlining tour, the band opened for Porcupine Tree.

In March 2002, Danny Cavanagh announced his departure from the band, having joined ex-bassist Duncan Patterson's current band Antimatter. No announcement has yet been made by the remaining members on the future of Anathema.

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