Anathema, a Moment in Time: A DVD Review of Anathema's Concert at the Metalmania Festival in Poland

I must admit, I haven't heard much in the way of Anathema's music. I have heard a few songs here and there....but this is the first time I have really sat and watched/listened/felt their form or art. I thoroughly enjoyed their performance, and it would seem that they have won over another listener to their family.

To my surprise, was the quiet ambiance of the crowd in attendance during this concert. During quiet parts of the set, you could hear a pin drop(if one was to drop). Anathema has the power to mezmorize it's listeners and concert attendees. It would seem everyone fell into a state of meditation. I know I did during a couple songs! Track number 9, One Last Goodbye being one of them.

From the opening violin concerto by Bacchus String Quartet, all the way to their awesome cover and performance of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb", this DVD of Anathema's set at the Metalmania Festival in Spodek, Katowice, Poland back in March of this year has completely captivated me. For those that are seasoned Anathema listening veterans, this DVD is a must have. It captures the very essence of why they are in the "Doom-Progressive Metal" genre. Most of their songs on this DVD are slower-paced, and melodic. Most of their songs hit close to home for me, and really pulled me into their performance.

Track 3 and 4, Balance and Closer, have to be my favorites. Simply because you can feel their emotions, even on the screen. I couldn't start to imagine the energy in person. Track 7, A Natural Disaster, is a bouquet of the beautiful Lee Douglas vocals, orchestral accompaniment, melodic guitars and drums, and the mood setting all dark blue lights shining down onto the stage. A very beautiful performance of that song indeed. Track 12, Flying, is a very entertaining ride of emotions.

Set in motion by the strings of Bacchus, brought up the hill with the vocals of Vincent Cavanagh with his acoustic guitar, and thrown around by the powerful and energetic riffs from Danny Cavanagh's lead guitar, all to be brought back down by the strings, keyboards, and acoustic again. Just an all around wonderful song.

The last song, the cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb", deserves it's own paragraph in this review. Not only did they do a perfect job on this song, but this is one of the best covers of this song I have ever heard. The percussion isn't quite on the same level, but I would dare say the guitars, vocals, and Bacchus accompaniment are nearing Pink Floyd's original sound.

Nothing can top the original of course, but this version ranks up there among the top "covers" I have heard. They did a magnificent performance of this song. The only thing I really didn't like, is the detruction of an amp, after Danny knocked over his speaker stack on purpose. I'm not too impressed by that kind of behaviour.

There is bonus footage(4 tracks) from their 2004 concert in Krakow, Poland. Of which I happened to enjoy Fragile Dreams. Oddly enough, this song is performed in the main concert footage, but it didn't strike me like this version did. Amazing what 2 years will do to a song, right?

Also, there is an interview with Danny and Vincent on this DVD. He talks about the early years of Anathema, some of the line up changes they have gone through, their music, influences, and what keeps them together.

Last thoughts- I was overwhelmed with this DVD. The music, performance, and feel of this concert was just amazing. I really wish I was there in person to see this amazing band. Perhaps one of these days they will swing by this part of the world in the future. I highly recommend this DVD to anyone. Whether you have been with them from the beginning back in 1990, when they formed under the name Pagan Angel, or are just now learning of them....this is a great way to be introduced to the awe by the name of Anathema.