A VISION OF A DYING EMBRACE

Anathema's debut video documentary, A Vision Of A Dying Embrace, was released in 1996 on VHS format, then re-released as DVD in 2002. The footage on both versions is identical, as there was no extra media or bonus material featured on the re-release. There are four promotional videos, each of which are low-budget affairs generally consisting of collages of images ranging from the band onstage to landscape scenery with a commotion of unclearly defined images moving in quick succession throughout. The exception is "The Silent Enigma", in which the band are shot performing in an open field, with occasional scenes of vocalist/guitarist Vincent Cavanagh walking through the ruins of a Gothic cathedral with a fair maiden, hand in hand. Overall, the videos don't do much to enhance the songs by presenting a visual dimension to them, and as a result, they are most likely to be taken in once or twice, after which there will be no particular reason to sit through them again. They are decent enough considering the band's early status, yet the low quality and largely unrealized visual conceptions render them nonessential following the initial viewing or two.

The second half of A Vision Of A Dying Embrace showcases the band live onstage in Krakow, Poland, in March 1996. The quality of professionalism with regards the camera operation, and clarity of visual and sonic representation, combined with the band's strong performance, make this section of the release quite engaging for the viewer. The majority of the material is taken from the band's second release, The Silent Enigma, which was the most recent release from the band during this time, as well as the Pentecost III EP, and only one song from the Serenades debut. This was the band's first tour after the departure of original vocalist Darren White, and as this material was written for White's manner of expression and delivery, Vincent struggles through much of the set. While Vincent made his vocal debut on The Silent Enigma, the songs were not suited to his vocal strengths, and though he does fine work on the album regardless, his replication of those vocals on this set are strained and lacking in the emotional conviction he so effectively produced on the album. Indeed, Vincent Cavanagh would soon discover his voice in Anathema's music and evolve into quite an engaging live vocalist, though here his discomfort is evident. Instrumentally, the performance is excellent.

Needless to say, despite the shortcomings of the videos and Cavangah's vocals on the live set, this is essential for Anathema fans, particularly of the earlier, doom/death era of the band.