Anathema

A very misleading title, seeing as this collection merely explores Anathema's quieter, more reflective side (i.e., atmospheric keyboard or acoustic guitar-driven numbers which comprised the exceptions rather than the norm on the band's albums). The norm, of course, would be the Liverpool act's core styles: doom/death in the early days, modern prog rock in the later -- both of which are saved for representation on the following year's Resonance, Vol. 2. Instead, Resonance: Best of Anathema is dominated by the aforementioned mellow sounds, while making room for a few rare but interesting covers, including Pink Floyd's "One of the Few" and "Goodbye Cruel World" and Bad Religion's "Stranger Than Fiction." Adding the video for "Hope" will make this set a must-have for serious fans, but first-time visitors looking for Anathema's true essence should pick up Resonance, Vol. 2 instead. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide