2017's The Optimist is Anathema's first album since 2014's spellbinding Distant Satellites and contains the band's darkest, most challenging and unexpected material. 

 

Recorded in Winter 2016 at Attica Studio in Donegal and Castle of Doom Studios in Glasgow with producer Tony Doogan (Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian, Super Furry Animals) at the helm. Doogan's influence is instantly tangible as for the first time in years Anathema recorded as a live band for an album, capturing an energy normally only present on stage. A technique that should be welcomed by fans aware of the band's supreme live power - previously captured on the celebrated concert film, Universal. 

 

DTS lossless blu-ray edition in both 5.1 surround sound (24/96 DTS) and hi-res stereo (24/96 LPCM). 

 

Mastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios in London, the 5.1 mix is by Bruce Soord.