Time for something a little more atmospheric and a bit gothy in nature. The Gathering have been around since the mid 90's, originally starting out as a death/doom metal band. They released two albums under that genre one with male fronted vox and one with male and female vox. Then the band released 'Mandylion' in 95. This album marked a change for the band, leaning more towards a more atmospheric metal nature. It also marked the debut of new female vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen. Their third album proved to be the one that set the standard for female fronted metal albums. Front to back this is an amazing record. It also started a wave of incredible albums by the band. Anneke left after the 'Home' record in 06. The band soldiered on with a new female vocalist and continue to push the bounds of what music is. This is where it started though. Definitely an album to relax to.
I came across The Gathering probably around 2000, the time their 'If_Then_Else' album came out. If nothing else the album had a great title. But I didn't fall in love with the band, in fact it was quite the opposite. I found the music to be bland and if anything a cure for my insomnia. So I wasn't impressed. Years later the 'Home' album came out and I found myself digging a few tracks off of it. I decided to go back and dust off the older catalog. I figured I've grown as a listener. This time around the music hypnotized me and I fell in love with it. It's perfect music just to chill out to. Not to mention Anneke's lovely voice. Of course she's guested on numerous albums. In fact she appears on another bands album which will be posted later this week. Everything ties in. Good music for an escape and just to relax after a rough day.
No comments:
Post a Comment