The Gathering, The West Pole

Netherlands, 2009.

When Anneke van Giersbergen left in 2007, I thought The Gathering's music would be resigned to monotony. I was fortunately wrong as their ninth album demonstrates that they can still produce an interesting and atmospheric alternative rock. In addition, Silje Wergeland's melodic voice is surprisingly delightful.

Playlist:

1. When Trust Becomes Sound
2. Treasure
3. All You Are
4. The West Pole
5. No Bird Call
6. Capital Of Nowhere
7. You Promised Me A Symphony
8. Pale Traces
9. No One Spoke
10. A Constant Run

Link.

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The Gathering, A Noise Severe

Live in Chile, 2007

This live cd documents the final tour of The Gathering as most people knew them, with Anneke van Giersbergen on vocals. Unlike the previous live release, 2005's A Sound Relief, The Gathering's heavier side feature prominently throughout the entire concert, with a tracklist spanning most of their career.

Playlist:

CD 1 Download (MassMirror).

1. Shortest Day
2. In Between
3. Liberty Bell
4. Probably Built In The 50's
5. Even The Spirits Are Afraid
6. Saturnine
7. Monsters
8. Alone
9. A Noise Severe
10. Leaves
11. Eléanor
12. In Motion #I

CD 2 Download (MassMirror).

1. Waking Hour
2. On Most Surfaces
3. Strange Machines
4. Adrenaline
5. Third Chance
6. Black Light District
7. Travel

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The Gathering, Souvenirs

Netherlands, released in 2003.
Even though they're mostly associated to gothic metal, The Gathering's music has come a long way in terms of style and quality. Souvenirs can be best described as ambient, trip-hop and soft rock with amazing female vocals. This is one of my all time favourite albums.

Playlist:

1. these good people
2. even the spirits are afraid
3. broken glass
4. you learn about it
5. souvenirs
6. we just stopped breathing
7. monsters
8. golden grounds
9. jelena

Link.

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