Alternative 4 is an album by the British band Anathema. It was released on 22 June 1998 through Peaceville Records. Like Eternity, Alternative 4 is sung with clean vocals. Various reviews categorised this album as experimental, depressing and atmospheric.The title of the album is derived from Leslie Watkins' book entitled Alternative 3. Bassist and main composer Duncan Patterson had read it a few years before they wrote the album. The book is about conspiracy theories, and most songs on Alternative 4 are about trust. Patterson is now playing in a band with same title, and the songs are based on similar themes.It is the last album with Patterson, and also the only album released whitout John Douglas on drums: he was replaced by Shaun Steels in 1997 but returned in 1998.