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The Gathering
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After Forever
 Oceansoul Join Date: 8/20/2006 Posts: 83 Location: Ankara
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Posted: April 20, 2021 12:38:35
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The Gathering Biography http://www.gathering.nl/biography.php3
Frank Boeijen - keyboards & programming (04/12/73) Anneke van Giersbergen - vocals (08/03/73) Hugo Prinsen Geerligs - bass (16/12/73) Hans Rutten - drums & percussion (03/06/69) René Rutten - guitars (02/07/72)
Holland's premier band, The Gathering, have always been a continual guarantee for both creatively challenging and special releases. The band's early Celtic Frost/Hellhammer-inspired music was as welcomed as it was primitively heavy, and their transformation into a more atmospherically and euphorically rocking outfit brought even more wonder, amazement and adoration from their growing fan-base. Now the most successful Dutch rock act going, The Gathering once again unveil a new masterpiece, the curiously titled if_then_else. Expanding on the foundation set by the band's fifth release and first double-album, How to Measure a Planet?, the band's new opus has a heavier overall feel to it, while the intense texturing and astounding progressions of the band's sound are still very present.
Where as How to Measure... contained a sense of "travelling" running throughout (both physically and emotionally) if_then_else's title offers, more than anything else, this theme: Criticism towards a type of logic which not only controls a machine but also the thinking patterns of modern civilisation and mankind.
Following the first two albums Always... and Almost a Dance (which were still pretty much rooted within the gothic-doom underground scene), the addition of the amazingly talented and charismatic vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen started the band's ascension to the top of the progressive rock and metal scene. A great reason for this success is the band's first Century Media album, Mandylion, and its stylistically similar follow-up release Nighttime Birds.
Countless festival appearances and touring helped support both albums as the band's appeal continued to grow throughout the world. At that point The Gathering stood at what could be seen as the first crossroads of their career: They were successful, but nevertheless they felt trapped in a artistically-controlled corner, which was very limited and small due to the high expectations from their fan-base. The result: How to Measure a Planet?, a double-album which vastly expanded The Gathering's creative spectrum and style.
Innovative recording techniques, a will to experiment, lust for a pure sound and a turning away from the standard structuring of a rock song were the most dominant elements on How to Measure a Planet?. It was a risky album but in the end proved to be incredibly rewarding with its ethereally dramatic elements and inspiring hooks. The band's dreamy melodies, pounding rhythms and angelic vocal lines captivated their audiences during the countless shows the band played in support of the album (including their first tour of the US, highlighted by a spectacular set at the 1999 Milwaukee Metal Fest) and again on the subsequent release, Superheat, the band's first official live album.
The progression of The Gathering's music has been nothing short of inspiring, and once again the band deliver a new album full of sensational melodies, seasoned playing and some of the most creative hard rock song writing around. The eleven songs on if_then_else were again mixed by the band's partner Attie Bauw at Bauwhaus Studios/Amsterdam but the actual recording of the material took place in two different small Dutch studios (Studio S & K in Doetinchem and Studio Koeienverhuurbedrijf in Purmerend) in a completely 'live' setting. Consequently, some interesting and diverse sound-collages blend with untamed strength throughout the new album, bringing their ethereal magic to the forefront once again.
The musical spectrum of the record is enormous; from the deeply atmospheric, electro-influenced songs to the more driving, metallic-rock numbers, the band's new offering is a pleasure for all fans of The Gathering's material.
if_then_else is an analogue wall of sound; pure emotion revelling in a dreamland of rhythms and tones while lyrically giving proof that up-to-date technology doesn't necessarily ruin timeless beauty.
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Heroes
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Crownless

Join Date: 3/4/2021 Posts: 68 Location: NULL
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Posted: April 21, 2021 11:18:13
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Dunno what to say about them......they are gods!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you can't imagine the atmosphere their songs create....seeing them live was one of the most beautiful experiences in my whole life....they kinda sent me into another world with their music.....just like gods....hehe
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stargazer_eternal
 Intermediate Join Date: 4/27/2007 Posts: 96 Location: Worthington, Ohio, USA
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scott

Join Date: 8/29/2005 Posts: 41 Location: California, USA
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Posted: April 28, 2021 09:00:35
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I love Mandylion, How to measure a planet, Nighttime birds, and Souvenirs. They're one of my favorite bands! Though I thought the album Home was a disappointment.
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Andrew
 Dream Energizer Join Date: 10/9/2020 Posts: 1054 Location: Athens, Greece
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Posted: April 28, 2021 09:58:44
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They are currently mixing A Noise Severe DVD which will contain the heaviest songs of their carrieer!!!!!!!
At that concert they played 2 1/2 hours
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Hide me from me cause of the scorned sins of my soul [...] Carved into stone not to be forgotten, to collide because of my nakedness
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Crownless

Join Date: 3/4/2021 Posts: 68 Location: NULL
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Sheila
 Free Of Doubt...
 Join Date: 1/3/2021 Posts: 176 Location: Sherman, Texas, USA
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Posted: May 29, 2020 00:38:21
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The Gathering is pure musical perfection. Anneke has one of the greatest voices I've ever heard.
Picking a favorite Gathering album isn't easy, but I must say Mandylion. You can't beat Eleanor, Leaves, In Motion #1, and Sand & Mercury.
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http://www.myspace.com/sorglig
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-Aad-

Join Date: 8/25/2002 Posts: 3215
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Posted: June 5, 2020 20:33:50
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Singer ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN Quits THE GATHERING - June 5, 2020
Anneke van Giersbergen, singer for world-renowned Dutch rock act THE GATHERING, has decided to leave the band and pursue new goals in life and music.
In a statement from van Giersbergen, she says: "Dear people, I wanted to send out this message to all of you to inform you that I have decided to leave THE GATHERING.
"After much consideration and some serious soul searching, I feel that it is time for me to change my direction in life and develop and search out new goals.
"In all the wonderful years that I have been a part of THE GATHERING, we, as a band, have always strongly believed in sincerity, both personally and within our music. I have always been able to give one hundred percent of myself to the band and its music. Over the last year I developed an urge to initiate my activities from a different place in my heart, focusing on myself and my family.
"In order to stay true to myself, the band, crew and the fans, I see no other option than to leave the band and pursue my new goals in life and music.
"I loved my 13 years with THE GATHERING and I take pride in all the beautiful music we have made together and will always cherish the good times we shared on the road and in the studio. The decision to leave all of this behind has been incredibly difficult, but since it's made from the heart, I strongly believe that I have to go with it. Although it saddens me to say goodbye, I have made a lot of exciting plans for the future both personally and professionally.
"Thank you for all the love and support and I hope we will meet again in life and music."
The band has posted a statement on its web site regarding the singer's departure. It reads as follows:
"We are very sorry to announce the fact that Anneke has decided to leave the band [effective] August 2007. Anneke has several reasons not to be a member anymore. We really regret the fact we could not find a way to continue together. However, we (THE GATHERING) will be working on new material with male and female vocalists. Expect a CD release somewhere in 2008.
"With Anneke we've made great albums and did fantastic shows, which we are very proud of! We had a great time! We wish Anneke all the best for the future.
"The remaining festivals we will play together with Anneke. No new gigs will be scheduled. The last gig with Anneke will be the Ankkarock Festival in Finland, the 4th of August. Also the new DVD, 'A Noise Severe', as well as the double live CD will still be released this summer."
THE GATHERING released its latest album, "Home", in April 2006 on The End Records.
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Deviate from the form of nothing Deviate from the norm to something
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Sheila
 Free Of Doubt...
 Join Date: 1/3/2021 Posts: 176 Location: Sherman, Texas, USA
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Posted: June 5, 2020 21:18:04
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Even one hour after hearing this piece of news, I'm still very sad and shocked... ajdkl;fjadlk;fjal;djfadf...
To put it very simply, The Gathering will never be the same. Anneke is completely irreplaceable.
This REALLY sucks. :(
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http://www.myspace.com/sorglig
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Amsanc
 Intermediate
Join Date: 4/20/2007 Posts: 271 Location: Castelo Branco
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Posted: June 5, 2020 21:48:54
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There's metal before Anneke and ther's metal after Anneke, nough said
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The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils. Let no man trust him
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derFlorian
 Jack in a box
Join Date: 12/17/2005 Posts: 2242 Location: Wuppertal, Germany
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marta
 Film Noir Freak Join Date: 4/4/2021 Posts: 3867 Location: Delft
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Posted: June 6, 2020 08:53:12
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It's a big shock...
But I'm glad she'll continue singing and performing. I;lld efinitely follow her new band, since she's such an amazing and wonderful singer.
I'm very curious how things will go for The Gathering. They're one of my favourite bands, but I admit it's mostly because of Anneke's voice.
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Cursed With Oblivion: http://www.xs4all.nl/~cursed/ - metal reviews and interviews
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Andrew
 Dream Energizer Join Date: 10/9/2020 Posts: 1054 Location: Athens, Greece
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Posted: June 6, 2020 17:11:31
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The Gathering guys are the body, Anneke is/was the heart
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Hide me from me cause of the scorned sins of my soul [...] Carved into stone not to be forgotten, to collide because of my nakedness
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stargazer_eternal
 Intermediate Join Date: 4/27/2007 Posts: 96 Location: Worthington, Ohio, USA
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Posted: June 8, 2020 22:11:46
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They're a very talented band all-around and I'm sure they'll do fine even without Anneke. Of course, I am saddened by her departure as well, but hopefully her new band will be good - and I'm sure it will.
Nighttime Birds is my favorite TG album, closely followed by How to Measure a Planet?. Reminds me, I still need to pick up Home sometime.
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Deface your demons...
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Sheila
 Free Of Doubt...
 Join Date: 1/3/2021 Posts: 176 Location: Sherman, Texas, USA
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Posted: June 8, 2020 22:28:02
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Quoted From stargazer_eternal: Reminds me, I still need to pick up Home sometime.
Indeed, Home is an amazing album. I think it's entirely perfect except for one song, "Solace," which I still don't care for. Otherwise, it's amazing.
My favorite Gathering album is still Mandylion. :)
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http://www.myspace.com/sorglig
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Caz
 Intermediate
 Join Date: 4/26/2007 Posts: 102 Location: UK
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