^^ Love that Anathema record, Jackhammer. I get what you mean with the "stadium dross" moments but I'm glad you like it. It's quite a beautiful record.
I got this today and I've only listened to it once through but quite enjoyed it. I get the feeling it can only get better with repeated listens. Seems as though it could be a slow-burner.
Picked this up at their gig recently. I hadn't heard it going in but everything they played from it sounded great. I've now listened to it a few times and frankly it's a monster. Their best since The Big Black, in my opinion.
I knew nothing about Jesse Sykes bar her contribution to the Sunn O)))/Boris collab 'Altar' and Americana/Alt-country is not something I'm at all well versed in. I loved this though. Stunning vocals and generally just a cracking, beautiful record.