In the context of the song, anathema refers to a curse. Throughout “Anathema,” the narrator broods over the human condition and laments the fact that, as humans, we are naturally inclined to want what is considered to be evil.

The song opens with a subdued keyboard and minimal percussion. As the song progresses, it slowly opens up, gaining more momentum and energy until finally reaching a climax drenched with heavy electronics during the bridge. That high energy is sustained for the third verse, creating a unique contrast of sound throughout the track.

The third verse is recycled from a song called “Blasphemy” on Tyler Joseph’s 2008 solo project, No Phun Intended.