The dutch band The Gathering is finally hitting the news with a new album, The West Pole. After a long silence because of Anneke’s departure, The Gathering recruited a new female vocalist, Silje Wergeland. I’ve only heard 3 tracks from the new album, available at The Gathering’s MySpace, since it is not yet released.
The band proved itself again, as one of the best bands at writing unique atmospheric rock music. Though in my opinion, Silje’s voice and singing style are very similar to Anneke’s, but she is unable to create the feel and atmosphere Anneke used to create with her voice. Silje’s voice suites more a symphonic metal band. It could be till we get used to the new Gathering vocals, but for sure Anneke + The Gathering was a perfect combination, but that is history now!
It is not a good idea to try to compare their new album and sound with their previous work, especially since the vocalist changed. If it had to be compared, it seems that The Gathering went a step backwards in their ability to create an atmosphere. For sure and as always, they moved a step ahead in their experimenting with music. Therefore listen to the new album as a masterpiece of new good music without looking back.
One can pre-order the new album from The Gathering web shop, the only place where it is available for now. Looking forward to listen to it and also to the free EP. The free EP is available if a ‘The West Pole’ package is ordered.
