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Creative, classy and highly refined "symphonic metal" outfit from Holland. First album (Always, 1993) was a fairly straightforward death metal album, although heavy use of keyboards made it stand out a bit from other such albums at the time. Followed by Almost A Dance (1994), an album which saw the departure of "growling" vocalist Bart Smits. Smits was replaced primarily by Niels Duffhues, a strange choice for the band; Duffhues' punk-ish tone was decidedly out of step with the music, and the album was largely written off as a result. A shame, because many of the songs on Almost A Dance are quite well written. The album also featured occasional vocals by Martine van Loon, a low-key singer with a pretty tone but one that seldom took to the forefront of a composition. It would appear that the seed had been planted in the band's head to try their uniquely compelling songwriting style with a passionate female vocalist; the result was the addition of the incomparable Anneke van Giersbergen, an incredible singer capable of stretching miles of emotion out of each and every syllable. The next album, 1995's Mandylion, remains one of the very best heavy metal albums ever recorded. van Giersbergen's poetic and haunting lyrics, paired with the band's orchestral ruminations, resulted in darkly important songs that seamlessly blend from one to the next. The follow-up, 1997's Nighttime Birds, acts as a companion piece to Mandylion: similar in tone and delivery, Birds is filled with the melodic and adventurous play that has become the trademark of this very important band. Superheat and If-Then-Else followed in early 2000. After a break with Century Media following the release of If_Then_Else, the band took time off before going into the studio to work on the 2003-released followup Souvenirs. The Gathering will be of interest to more than just heavy metal fans: they have the potential to appeal to countless different audiences, from metal to progressive rock to anyone who values excellent songwriting and powerful female vocalists. ~ James Bickers, Rovi
In regards to how metal they are, I think The Gathering is a different and breathtaking breed of metal. One might consider them Avant Rockor Avant Guarde Metal, but regardless of Genre classification, the result is amazingly serene and powerful at the same time.
After listening to the band for several years, I have only now come to the sudden realisation that The Gathering is the solution to all of the world's problems. Glad we got that sorted.
Anneke is incredible, and The Gathering set a standard for virtuosity and creativity that few other bands can even approach. If_Then_Else is in my Top 10 for the Desert list. I can't remember the name of the clerk in the CD store that recommended The Gathering, but I thank him everytime I hear this amazing band!
Hands down, The Gathering are one of my favorite bands of all time. Unlike a lot of artists, each of The Gathering's albums are truly unique from one another. The manner in which their sound has evolved is truly amazing, and it speaks to the creative genius of each one of the band's members. I feel truly blessed to have been able to see this band live during their brief tour of the USA back in 1998. I was sad to see Anneke go, but "The West Pole" was still a great album.
They need to do the soundtrack to a movie that is about me and no i dont want to meet them just sign and leave me alone. a tool. that kinda sucks but its an artist kinda thing oh and i dont know how to make a movie im lazy and forgetful now
huaynacapac357
Well, their first 3 albums (first two especially) were doom metal/symphonic black metal. But with Nighttime Birds on they changed direction a lot.
I always need a fix of The Gathering. Although, I would never consider the band to be a Metal band. Anneke is such a delight to listen to. Her voice is so powerful yet angelic. GREAT BAND!
The Gathering is one of my favourite bands. I LOVE Anneke's voice. I was SOOOO sad when they announced she was leaving and was doubtful if Silje could fill her shoes. But to my joy, Silje is wonderful, although I'd have to say the overall sound is just not the same. Anneke's new band, Agua de Annique, is good, but doesn't compare to her days with The Gathering.
From what I've heard so far these seem like a good band. I think two songs total have played on my Met@1 station and I've givin both songs a thumbs way way up.
Draconian Renaissance Scarling Edenbridge Mortal Love Throes Of Dawn FireBug Soilwork Tapping The Vein Kidneythieve s Hole Holly McNarland Krypteria The B-52's Ana Johnsson Ana Soundgarden Sepultura Kreator The Pandoras Delta Goodrem Rage Against The Machine The Cranberries Metallica Authority Zero The Pus
I like their Metal stuff more than their later electronic Rock stuff (though that's quite good, too). "Mandylion" is simply one of the best albums ever created, "Strange Machines" being their masterpiece, in my opinion. Just incredible! Anneke, you are sorely missed from The Gathering! :(
Even after listening to Mandylion and Nighttime birds for many times, it still brings tears in my eyes. I am proud that this is music from my country!!
Did they officially break up after Anneke left? Their website gave no indication of such. I hope they carry on with another gifted female singer, but they will have big shoes to fill.Thanks Cluckah for the info. It is sad, but I hope Anneke keeps making music, her voice is just to beautiful not to be heard.
I always seem to discount this band when I think of all the other bands in this genre. But I am coming around to them as I hear more. Sorry to hear they broke up, seems to be alot of that going around.
I don't understand what's with the obsession of "pitting" bands like The Gathering, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, etc. against one another. They're all AMAZING bands in their own right and if someone has both an open-mind and REALLY GOOD musical tastes, they can proudly proclaim themselves a true, devoted fan of them ALL.
cryostatic_nexus
I don't know if it makes me a "traitor" to The Gathering for purchasing and LOVING the CD from Anneke's new band, Agua De Annique, but her voice is too compelling!! How To Measure A Planet and If_Then_Else are my favorite albums, but then the more I think about it, I want to say all their albums (with Anneke) are my favorite.
Comments
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Renaissance
Scarling
Edenbridge
Mortal Love
Throes Of Dawn
FireBug
Soilwork
Tapping The Vein
Kidneythieve s
Hole
Holly McNarland
Krypteria
The B-52's
Ana Johnsson
Ana
Soundgarden
Sepultura
Kreator
The Pandoras
Delta Goodrem
Rage Against The Machine
The Cranberries
Metallica
Authority Zero
The Pus