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{{Short description|Dutch rock band}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist {{Infobox musical artist
| Name = The Gathering | name = The Gathering
| image = The Gathering January 2010 Budapest.jpg
| Img = Gathering_home8.jpg
| caption = ] concert, 31 January 2010
| Img_capt =
| landscape = yes
| Img_size =
| origin = ], Netherlands
| Background = group_or_band
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|] (early)|] (early)}}
| Origin = ], the ]
| occupation =
| Genre = Later works:<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />Earlier works:<br />]<br />]<br />]
| years_active = {{hlist|1989–2014|2018–present}}
| Occupation =
| label = {{flatlist|
| Years_active = ] – present
* ]
| Label = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]
* ]
| Associated_acts =
* ]
| URL = http://www.gathering.nl/
* ]
| Current_members = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]
* ]
| Past_members = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]
* Foundation 2000
| Notable_instruments =
* ]
* Alone
}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.gathering.nl/}}
| current_members = ]<br />Hans Rutten<br />Frank Boeijen<br />]<br /> ]
| past_members = Jelmer Wiersma<br />]<br />Marike Groot<br />]<br />Martine van Loon<br />]<br />Marjolein Kooijman
| associated_acts = ], Habitants
}} }}


'''The Gathering''' are a Dutch ] band formed in ], ] in 1989. The band's lineup currently consists of founding brothers ] (guitars) and Hans Rutten (drums), ] (lead vocals), ] (bass) and Frank Boeijen (keyboards).
'''The Gathering''' is a ] band which came to fame in the second half of ] with vocalist ].

Their first two albums, '']'' (]) and '']'' (]), which played a part in the formation of ], were recorded with four different vocalists. Their subsequent release, '']'' (]), featured the debut of Anneke van Giersbergen singing with the band for the first time. It was also one of the first albums of its kind in respect to female fronted metal bands and it is still considered a standard by many.


The band's earliest releases were categorized as atmospheric ] with influences from ] acts like ] and ], undergoing numerous vocalist changes before breaking out in 1995 with ]. It was The Gathering's first album to feature lead singer ] and the band's first to chart in the Netherlands. With van Giersbergen, the band's sound shifted from ] to one influenced by ], ] and ], starting with their fifth studio album '']'' in 1998.
Their following studio albums '']'' (]), '']'' (]), '']'' (]) and '']'' (]) showed progress and maturation of the band. '']'', released in ], is a live semi-] performance recorded by the band over a course of two nights.


In 2007, van Giersbergen left the group to focus on her new band ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=74000 |title=Former The Gathering Singer Launches Agua De Annique |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=19 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606214231/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=74000 |archive-date=6 June 2011 }}</ref> The band replaced her with Wergeland, of the band ]. The band went on hiatus from 2014 to 2018, and their most recent album, '']'', was released on 29 April 2022.
The band's latest album is called '']'' and was released in Europe and North America in April ].


==History== ==History==
]
In ], brothers ] and ] and ] got together with the intention of starting a band. Soon after ], ] and ] joined.
===Early years (1989&ndash;1994)===
Founded by brothers Hans and René Rutten and vocalist ], The Gathering formed in the city of ] in 1989. Soon after they were joined by ], Jelmer Wiersma and Frank Boeijen to complete their first line-up. The Gathering's earliest recordings were categorized as atmospheric ] with influences from ] acts like ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2002-04-04 |title=THE GATHERING To Issue "Limited Edition" CD In June |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-gathering-to-issue-limited-edition-cd-in-june/ |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref>


In those days they rehearsed once a week, near the small Dutch city of ]. They had a desire to experiment rather than imitate, which would prove to be a fertile musical basis. In ] they recorded the rehearsal tape '']'', which was sent out to all kinds of magazines. At that time, using keyboards in metal-oriented music was rather unusual, but still, most reactions were positive. Their first gig followed in January of ], in a little town called ], near ], opening for ] and ]. In April ], the demo ] was recorded and picked up by several journalists. At the same time other people and bands started noticing the Gathering. Consequently, they were booked to open for bands like ], ] and ]. The time was right to release an album. In 1990 they recorded a demo tape entitled ''An Imaginary Symphony'' which met some positive reactions from the underground metal scene due to their unusual use of keyboards in metal-oriented music. A second demo, "Moonlight Archer" was recorded in April 1991, was picked up by several music journalists. Both demos suffered from poor production; however they did help establish the band's name on the live circuit opening for bands such as ], ], ], ] and ].


After signing with Foundation 2000, ] was released in ]. On this album, Bart's grunts were accompanied by the female vocals of ], who also joined the Gathering on stage for most of the gigs. This gothic/doom album was very well received and earned them many more concerts, including a few in ] and ]. Unfortunately, due to a shady contract, the band would never know how many copies of ] were sold. On top of that, the band parted with Bart and Marike because they weren't satisfied with the result. After signing with Foundation 2000, the group released their debut album '']'' in 1992. On this album, Bart Smits was accompanied by Marike Groot on vocals, who also joined the Gathering on stage for most of the gigs. The album sold nearly 20,000 units over the next few years in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vicrecords.com/thegathering.html |title=Vic Records |publisher=Vicrecords.com |access-date=19 February 2012}}</ref> In 1992 both Smits and Groot left the group due to musical differences; the other members wanted to change direction towards a lighter, more progressive sound.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.myspace.com/deeperimfalling/blog/538740714 |title=Interview with Bart Smits, ex-vocalist of THE GATHERING van Albert DiBenedetto (Kreavis B. Gribble) op Myspace |publisher=Myspace.com |date=31 August 2010 |access-date=19 February 2012}}</ref> Smits went on to form his own project, Wish, to explore a darker, heavier sound.


In 1993 the group recruited two new vocalists, ] and female counterpart Martine van Loon. A second album, '']'', was recorded and released in 1993 by Foundation 2000. The album was met with much criticism aimed at Duffhues' punk-ish tone being decidedly out of step with the music, and the album was largely written off as a result.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bickers |first=James |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-gathering-p29848/biography |title=The Gathering |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=19 February 2012}}</ref> The group collectively acknowledged their disappointments with the album and started writing new material and looked for a new vocalist.
In ], ] was recorded, also on Foundation 2000. New vocalist ] and new female counterpart ] turned out not to be the right choice for the Gathering. The band felt that both voices didn't really fit the music.


===Century Media years (1995&ndash;2001)===
During auditions halfway through 1994, vocalist ] was recruited into the band, and German label ] was willing to give the band a contract. The Gathering returned strong with ] in ]. The album was highly successful, especially in the Netherlands, where the single ''Strange Machines'' ended up in the Dutch charts, as did the album. Extensive touring brought them to all corners of their home country, as well as to Belgium and Germany. Expectations were high for a new album.
In 1995, The Gathering released ''],'' their third album and first to feature lead vocalist ], through ]; proving to be their breakthrough and selling over 130,000 copies in Europe. Two singles were released from '']'', "Adrenaline/Leaves" and "Strange Machines", the latter which reached number 37 on the Dutch singles charts and helped raise the group's popularity in Europe and the United States.<ref>{{cite web |author=Steffen Hung |date=27 January 1996 |title=Dutch Charts |url=http://dutchcharts.nl/search.asp?search=the+gathering&cat=s |accessdate=20 May 2015 |publisher=Dutchcharts.nl}}</ref> Tours of Belgium and Germany, as well as appearances at the ] and ]s further established the bands presence in the European metal scene.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anneke van Giersbergen boekt decennia later Top 2000-succes met The Gathering |url=https://www.nporadio2.nl/nieuws/top2000/91e0666f-6866-49f8-bb3f-ce8a1f61e457/anneke-van-giersbergen-boekt-pas-decennia-later-top-2000-succes-met-the-gathering |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=NPO Radio 2 |language=nl}}</ref> 1997's '']'' was stylistically and musically a companion piece to '']'' sold over 90,000 copies and saw the group tour throughout Europe.


In 1998 the group acknowledged their growing influences and their need to experiment with a double album, '']''. Produced by Attie Bauw, the album is a radical departure from the group's established sound. Upon release, the album received excellent reviews from critics who appreciated the band's absorption of new styles such as ] and ] into its sound.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |title=10 Best Metal Albums of 1998 |url=https://loudwire.com/10-best-metal-albums-1998/ |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=Loudwire |date=23 January 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Positive reactions came from all over the world, including the United States, where they played 14 shows during the summer of 1999.
] (]) came into existence, but not without an effort. Writing new songs in between touring (and studying) wasn't easy, and neither was recording it. Nevertheless, the album, which was musically quite close to Mandylion, turned out to be another success. Reactions were positive and subsequent touring was even more intensive, taking the band to Eastern Europe, France, Italy and several other European countries.


In 1999 the band formed their own record label, ], with the view of releasing their own music and taking creative control over how their music is marketed and distributed. ''Always...'' was re-released in 1999, followed by ''Almost a Dance'' in 2000, both re-mastered and fitted with new artwork. However, the band were still under contract with ], they released a live album '']'' (2000) which was recorded in several Dutch venues during 1999.
At this time they started to long for something new. Jelmer even decided he didn't want to tour and play guitar as much anymore, so he left the band in July ]. The other members wanted to try out new ideas, other instruments and different recording techniques. The result was '']'', a varied and experimental double-album. It was harder to promote and more difficult to understand for some die-hard metal fans. Still, positive reactions came from all over the world, including the United States, where they played 14 shows during the summer of 1999.


Another successful chapter in The Gathering's career followed with the release of '']'' (2000). The album is filled with diverse, intense and emotional rock songs, more compact than its predecessor. Fifteen months of touring ensued, taking them to virtually every nook and cranny of Europe, with a little sidestep to Mexico, and ending with a small Dutch club tour in October 2001.
The Gathering were also fed up with the music industry, so they decided to take matters into their own hands and start their own label, ]. ''Always...'' was re-released on this label in ], followed by ''Almost a Dance'' in ], both re-mastered and fitted with new artwork. However, since their contract with ] hadn't ended yet, their live album ] (2000) was released on Century Media. Most of the songs on this album are from ''How To Measure A Planet?'', the others from ''Mandylion'' and ''Nighttime Birds'' and they were recorded in several Dutch venues during 1999.


===Independent years (2002&ndash;2008)===
Another successful chapter in the Gathering's career followed with the release of '']'' (2000). The album is filled with diverse, intense and emotional rock songs, more compact than its predecessor. Fifteen months of touring ensued, taking them to virtually every nook and cranny of Europe, with a little sidestep to ], and ending with a small Dutch club tour in October 2001.
]
In 2002 the band members took a break and tended to their private lives. During this period, they ended their contract with ]. The Gathering had to run their newborn label ] and their 12½-year anniversary was coming up. To celebrate this with their fans, they released the mini-CD '']'' on their own label.


In early 2003, '']'' was released. '']'', a semi-acoustic live album, followed in 2004. This album was the last one featuring Hugo Prinsen Geerligs as the bass player. He was later replaced by Marjolein Kooijman.
After this, the band members took a break and tended to their private lives. During this period, they ended their contract with ]. The Gathering had to run their new born label ] and their 12½-year anniversary was coming up. To celebrate this with their fans, they released the mini-CD '']'' on their own label.


In 2005, The Gathering provided the music for a CD-ROM titled "Passengers in Time: The Musical History Tour". This CD accompanied a history study book written by Professor Wim Kratsborn and the band did not consider it to be an official release of theirs.
In early 2003, ''Souvenirs'' was released. ''Sleepy Buildings'', a semi-acoustic live album, followed in 2004. This album was the last one featuring Hugo Prinsen Geerligs as the bass player. He was later replaced by ].


The band released their first DVD in 2005, entitled '']''. This contained more gentle semi-acoustic songs. The plan is to release in 2007 their second DVD '']'' which features the more ] sound of The Gathering. The band released a DVD in 2005, entitled ''A Sound Relief''. This contained more gentle semi-acoustic songs. But this is not their first DVD. Century Media had released ''In Motion'' without band permission at 2001. Nevertheless ''In Motion '' had an acceptable success. The next plan was to release in 2007 a second DVD (recognized for the band) '']'' which features the more ] sound of The Gathering. This DVD was recorded in ] at 24 March 2007 at the Caupolicán Theatre.


In April 2006 they released their 9th studio album called '']''. They had toured in March in North and South America and, after a brief pause to let Van Giersbergen treat a ], they continued their touring schedule with European dates and music festivals throughout 2006. In April 2006 they released their eighth studio album called '']''. They had toured in March in North and South America and, after a brief pause to let van Giersbergen treat a ] problem, they continued their touring schedule with European dates and music festivals throughout 2006.


The Gathering toured throughout the U.S. and Canada with ] in early 2007. On 5 June 2007, it was announced that Anneke was leaving The Gathering to spend more time with her family and her own band, ]. The band scheduled a final tour stop on 4–5 August 2007 at the Ankkarock Festival, Finland. The Ankkarock Festival was announced as the final performance with Anneke as vocalist.
==Etymology==
Frank Boeijen on the origins of the name of the band:


===Silje Wergeland era (2007&ndash;present)===
"The name the Gathering has been made like eleven years ago when we started this band. We were all between 15 and 17. We were watching a lots of movies those days. One of the movies spoke about immortality and that you could kill the immortals with cutting their head off . In the first part of the movie, they speak a lot about the ]. There will be a gathering once with all the immortals. We thought it was a nice name for a band, and that's how we created this name. And you can feel it's a cool name for five people who come together to make fine music." (sic)
], 2010]]
In February 2008, The Gathering released a boxed set entitled ''Sand and Mercury - The Complete Century Media Years''. This boxed set was limited to 3000 copies worldwide, and contained 10 discs including a selection of studio, live and compilation albums. The set also contained the audio from the ''In Motion'' DVD as a new live album, also entitled ''In Motion''.


In September 2008, The Gathering released a collection of all their old material from 1989 to 1993 on a double CD. The album contains the demos, the never released promo 1992, live tracks and the Celtic Frost cover of "Dethroned Emperor". The songs were from the period of the first line-up with singer Bart Smits. All songs were restored and mastered by Mike Wead (King Diamond / Mercyful Fate) and was released by small Dutch independent label Vic Records.
==Lineup==
===Current members===
* ] - ]/]
* ] - ]/]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]


The Gathering's ninth studio album, '']'', was released in May 2009, shortly after they were joined by a new singer, ].
===Former members===
* ] - ]/]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]/]
* ] - ]
* ] - ]/]


On 16 May 2011, the band released the single "Heroes for Ghosts" via their ] page, as well as announcing a South American tour. The song featured on their forthcoming album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/162053 |title=THE GATHERING Offer New 'Heroes Of Ghosts' Track For Free Download |publisher=Bravewords.com |access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref>
==Discography==
===Studio albums===
<gallery>
Image:Gatalways.jpg|<center>''']''' (1992)<center> <small> Foundation 2000 </small> <center>


On 12 September 2012, the band released their tenth studio album, '']''.
Image:Gatalmost.jpg|<center>''']''' (1993)<center> <small> Foundation 2000 </small> <center>


The Gathering celebrated their 25th birthday as a band with two sold-out reunion concerts at Doornroosje in ] on 9 November 2014. It was the first time that four of their singers (Bart Smits, Marike Groot, Anneke van Giersbergen and Silje Wergeland) performed together, and the band's first performance with van Giersbergen since her departure in 2007.
Image:Gatmandylion.jpg|<center>''']''' (1995)<center> <small> ] </small> <center> <small>Sold: 130 000 </small>


On 8 December 2016, they surprise-released a double-disc of outtakes, demos & unreleased songs from the recordings of ''Souvenirs'' and ''Home'', called ''Blueprints''.
Image:Gatnighttimebirds.jpg|<center>''']''' (1997)<center> <small> ] </small> <center> <small>Sold: 90 000 </small>


In June and November 2018, they played several shows in the Netherlands and did a small tour in Greece.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/search?artist=7bd6826c&query=artist:(The+Gathering)+date:%5B2018-01-01+TO+2018-12-31%5D|title=Search for setlists: artist:(The Gathering) date: - setlist.fm|website=www.setlist.fm|access-date=4 February 2019}}</ref>{{better source|date=February 2019}}
Image:Gatplanet.jpg|<center>''']''' (1998)<center> <small> ] </small> <center> <small>Sold: 80 000 </small>


On 29 April 2022, the band released their eleventh studio album, and first in nearly 10 years, '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/the-gathering-launch-music-video-for-new-single-we-rise|title=THE GATHERING Launch Music Video For New Single "We Rise"|website=]|access-date=14 March 2022|date=10 February 2022}}</ref>
Image:Gatifthenelse.jpg|<center>''']''' (2000)<center> <small> ] </small> <center> <small>Sold: 65 000 </small>


In December 2024, the band announced that, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ], they would reunite with van Giersbergen for five sold-out August 2025 shows in ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-12-13 |title=THE GATHERING's 'Mandylion' Lineup Announces More 30th-Anniversary Shows In The Netherlands |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/the-gatherings-mandylion-lineup-announces-more-30th-anniversary-shows-in-the-netherlands |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref>
Image:Gatsouvenirs.jpg|<center>''']''' (2003)<center> <small> ] </small> <center> <small>Sold: 40 000 </small>


==Etymology==
Image:The Gathering- Home.jpg|<center>''']''' (2006)<center> <small> ] </small> <center> <small></small>
Frank Boeijen on the origins of the name of the band:


"The name the Gathering has been made like eleven years ago when we started this band. We were all between 15 and 17. We were watching a lot of movies those days. One of the movies spoke about immortality and that you could kill the immortals with cutting their head off ]'' Frank is speaking about]. In the first part of the movie, they speak a lot about the ]. There will be a gathering once with all the immortals. We thought it was a nice name for a band, and that's how we created this name. And you can feel it's a cool name for five people who come together to make fine music." ''''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gathering.nl/ |title=The Gathering |publisher=Gathering.nl |access-date=19 February 2012}}</ref>
</gallery>


===Live albums=== ==Members==
{{col-begin}}
<gallery>
{{col-2}}
Image:Gatsuperheat.jpg|<center>''']''' (2000)<center> <small> Century Media </small> <center>
'''Current lineup'''
* ] – guitars, theremin, flute, keyboards, percussion <small>(1989–present)</small>
* Hans Rutten – drums <small>(1989–present)</small>
* ] – bass, guitar, flute, additional keyboards, percussion <small>(1989–2004; guest 2014; 2018–present)</small>
* Frank Boeijen – keyboards, synthesizer <small>(1990–present)</small>
* ] – lead vocals, keyboards <small>(2008–present)</small>{{col-2}}
'''Former members'''
* Jelmer Wiersma – guitars <small>(1989–1998; guest 2014)</small>
* ] – lead vocals <small>(1989–1993, guest 2013 and 2014)</small>
* Marike Groot – backing & co-lead vocals <small>(1992–1993; guest 2014)</small>
* ] – lead vocals, guitars <small>(1993–1994)</small>
* Martine van Loon – backing & co-lead vocals <small>(1993–1994)</small>
* ] – lead vocals, guitars <small>(1994–2007; guest 2014)</small>
* Marjolein Kooijman – bass, backing vocals <small>(2004–2014)</small>
{{col-end}}


'''Timeline'''
Image:Gatsleepy.jpg|<center>''']''' (2004)<center> <small> ] </small> <center>
{{#tag:timeline|ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:130 bottom:100 top:0 right:15
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1989 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4
ScaleMajor = increment:5 start:1989
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1990


Colors =
</gallery>
id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals
id:backing value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:keyboards value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:flute value:tan2 legend:Flute,_percussion
id:album value:black legend:Studio_album
id:other value:gray(0.5) legend:Other_release
id:live value:gray(0.3) legend:Live_album
id:grid1 value:gray(0.6)


LineData =
===EPs===
layer:back
* Adrenaline / Leaves (1996) ]
at:01/01/1990 color:other
* Amity (2001) ]
at:01/01/1991 color:other
* ] (2002) ]
at:01/01/1992 color:other
at:06/09/1992 color:album
at:09/02/1993 color:album
at:08/28/1995 color:album
at:05/15/1997 color:album
at:11/09/1998 color:album
at:01/25/2000 color:live
at:07/25/2000 color:album
at:05/22/2001 color:other
at:06/17/2002 color:other
at:10/28/2002 color:other
at:02/24/2003 color:album
at:01/26/2004 color:live
at:08/22/2005 color:other
at:10/01/2005 color:other
at:04/15/2006 color:album
at:10/31/2007 color:live
at:01/25/2008 color:other
at:05/04/2009 color:other
at:05/04/2009 color:album
at:10/27/2010 color:other
at:09/12/2012 color:other
at:09/12/2012 color:album
at:10/05/2013 color:album
at:11/27/2015 color:live
at:04/29/2022 color:album
BarData =
bar:Smits text:"Bart Smits"
bar:Groot text:"Marike Groot"
bar:Duffhues text:"Niels Duffhues"
bar:vanLoon text:"Martine van Loon"
bar:vanGiersbergen text:"Anneke van Giersbergen"
bar:Wergerland text:"Silje Wergeland"
bar:RRutten text:"René Rutten"
bar:Wiersma text:"Jelmer Wiersma"
bar:PrinsenGeerligs text:"Hugo Prinsen Geerligs"
bar:Kooijman text:"Marjolein Kooijman"
bar:HRutten text:"Hans Rutten"
bar:Boeijen text:"Frank Boeijen"


PlotData=
===Singles===
width:11
* Strange Machines (1995) ]
bar:Wergerland from:07/01/2008 till:end color:vocals
* Kevin's Telescope (1997) ]
bar:Wergerland from:07/01/2008 till:end color:keyboards width:3
* The May Song (1997) ]
bar:RRutten from:01/01/1989 till:end color:guitar
* Liberty Bell (1998) ]
bar:RRutten from:01/01/1989 till:end color:flute width:3
* Rollercoaster (2000) ]
bar:RRutten from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1990 color:keyboards width:7
* Monsters (2003) ]
bar:RRutten from:01/17/2014 till:01/01/2018 color:bass width:7
* You Learn About It (2003) ]
bar:Boeijen from:01/01/1990 till:end color:keyboards
* Alone (2006) ] - Split single with ], 5,000 copies limited edition giveaway at Sziget festival, Budapest, 2006
bar:Kooijman from:01/01/2004 till:01/17/2014 color:bass
bar:Kooijman from:01/01/2004 till:01/17/2014 color:backing width:3
bar:HRutten from:01/01/1989 till:end color:drums
bar:vanGiersbergen from:01/01/1994 till:01/15/2007 color:vocals
bar:vanGiersbergen from:07/01/1997 till:01/15/2007 color:guitar width:3
bar:PrinsenGeerligs from:01/01/1989 till:01/15/2004 color:bass
bar:PrinsenGeerligs from:01/01/1989 till:01/15/2004 color:flute width:3
bar:PrinsenGeerligs from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1990 color:keyboards width:7
bar:PrinsenGeerligs from:01/01/2018 till:end color:bass
bar:PrinsenGeerligs from:01/01/2018 till:end color:flute width:3
bar:Wiersma from:01/01/1989 till:07/01/1997 color:guitar
bar:Duffhues from:07/01/1992 till:01/15/1994 color:vocals
bar:Duffhues from:07/01/1992 till:01/15/1994 color:guitar width:3
bar:vanLoon from:07/01/1992 till:01/15/1994 color:backing
bar:vanLoon from:07/01/1992 till:01/15/1994 color:vocals width:3
bar:Smits from:01/01/1989 till:07/01/1992 color:vocals
bar:Groot from:07/01/1991 till:07/01/1992 color:backing
bar:Groot from:07/01/1991 till:07/01/1992 color:vocals width:3
}}


===Compilations=== == Discography ==
{{Main|The Gathering discography}}
* Downfall - The Early Years (2001) Hammerheart Records
* '']'' (1992)
* Accessories - Rarities And B-Sides (2005) ]
* '']'' (1993)
* '']'' (1995)
* '']'' (1997)
* '']'' (1998)
* '']'' (2000)
* '']'' (2003)
* '']'' (2006)
* '']'' (2009)
* '']'' (2012)
* '']'' (2013) <small>- also categorized as a ] and EP</small><!-- Please do not remove Afterwords. It is often referred to as a studio album, although its ambiguous nature deserves a mention. -->
* '']'' (2022)


===Demos=== ==References==
{{reflist}}
* An Imaginary Symphony (1990)
* Moonlight Archer (1991)

=== Cover songs ===
Songs The Gathering has covered

* "Life's What You Make It" (by ])
* "In Power We Entrust The Love Advocated" (by ])
* "When The Sun Hits" (by ])

==Videography==
===Music videos===
Videos were made for the following songs :

* "King for a Day"
* "You Learn About It"
* "My Electricity"
* "Leaves"
* "Liberty Bell"
* "Life's What You Make It"
* "Monsters"
* "Strange Machines" (Unreleased)

===DVD===
* '']'' (])
Features live footage from two shows: Their performance at '96 ] festival, and a concert they did in ], ] in ]. Please note that this DVD is not considered as part of the official releases by the band, due to the contents and its quality, and the fact the band was not consulted for this DVD released by their former label, ].

* '']'' (])
Features a semi-acoustic concert recorded on May 23, 2005 at the famous Paradiso in Amsterdam in front of an international audience.

* '']'' (expected in ])
Rock-oriented concert DVD.


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category|The Gathering}}
===Official websites===
* * {{Official website|http://www.gathering.nl/}}
* {{Discogs artist}}
*

===Unofficial websites===
*
* on Fanpop


===The Gathering at online databases=== {{The Gathering}}
* live at ]
* Free download at ]
* {{musicbrainz artist|id=004e5eed-e267-46ea-b504-54526f1f377d|name=The Gathering}}
* {{last.fm|The+Gathering|The Gathering}}
* at ]
* by '']'' (2006)


{{Authority control}}
]
]
]


] {{DEFAULTSORT:Gathering}}
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Latest revision as of 21:34, 16 December 2024

Dutch rock band
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The Gathering
Budapest concert, 31 January 2010Budapest concert, 31 January 2010
Background information
OriginOss, Netherlands
Genres
Years active
  • 1989–2014
  • 2018–present
Labels
MembersRené Rutten
Hans Rutten
Frank Boeijen
Silje Wergeland
Hugo Prinsen Geerligs
Past membersJelmer Wiersma
Bart Smits
Marike Groot
Niels Duffhues
Martine van Loon
Anneke van Giersbergen
Marjolein Kooijman
Websitewww.gathering.nl

The Gathering are a Dutch rock band formed in Oss, North Brabant in 1989. The band's lineup currently consists of founding brothers René Rutten (guitars) and Hans Rutten (drums), Silje Wergeland (lead vocals), Hugo Prinsen Geerligs (bass) and Frank Boeijen (keyboards).

The band's earliest releases were categorized as atmospheric doom metal with influences from extreme metal acts like Celtic Frost and Hellhammer, undergoing numerous vocalist changes before breaking out in 1995 with Mandylion. It was The Gathering's first album to feature lead singer Anneke van Giersbergen and the band's first to chart in the Netherlands. With van Giersbergen, the band's sound shifted from gothic metal to one influenced by shoegaze, post-rock and trip hop, starting with their fifth studio album How to Measure a Planet? in 1998.

In 2007, van Giersbergen left the group to focus on her new band Agua de Annique. The band replaced her with Wergeland, of the band Octavia Sperati. The band went on hiatus from 2014 to 2018, and their most recent album, Beautiful Distortion, was released on 29 April 2022.

History

The group's logo

Early years (1989–1994)

Founded by brothers Hans and René Rutten and vocalist Bart Smits, The Gathering formed in the city of Oss in 1989. Soon after they were joined by Hugo Prinsen Geerligs, Jelmer Wiersma and Frank Boeijen to complete their first line-up. The Gathering's earliest recordings were categorized as atmospheric doom metal with influences from death metal acts like Celtic Frost and Hellhammer.

In 1990 they recorded a demo tape entitled An Imaginary Symphony which met some positive reactions from the underground metal scene due to their unusual use of keyboards in metal-oriented music. A second demo, "Moonlight Archer" was recorded in April 1991, was picked up by several music journalists. Both demos suffered from poor production; however they did help establish the band's name on the live circuit opening for bands such as Dead Head, Invocator, Samael, Morbid Angel and Death.

After signing with Foundation 2000, the group released their debut album Always... in 1992. On this album, Bart Smits was accompanied by Marike Groot on vocals, who also joined the Gathering on stage for most of the gigs. The album sold nearly 20,000 units over the next few years in Europe. In 1992 both Smits and Groot left the group due to musical differences; the other members wanted to change direction towards a lighter, more progressive sound. Smits went on to form his own project, Wish, to explore a darker, heavier sound.

In 1993 the group recruited two new vocalists, Niels Duffhues and female counterpart Martine van Loon. A second album, Almost a Dance, was recorded and released in 1993 by Foundation 2000. The album was met with much criticism aimed at Duffhues' punk-ish tone being decidedly out of step with the music, and the album was largely written off as a result. The group collectively acknowledged their disappointments with the album and started writing new material and looked for a new vocalist.

Century Media years (1995–2001)

In 1995, The Gathering released Mandylion, their third album and first to feature lead vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen, through Century Media; proving to be their breakthrough and selling over 130,000 copies in Europe. Two singles were released from Mandylion, "Adrenaline/Leaves" and "Strange Machines", the latter which reached number 37 on the Dutch singles charts and helped raise the group's popularity in Europe and the United States. Tours of Belgium and Germany, as well as appearances at the Dynamo Open Air and Pinkpop Festivals further established the bands presence in the European metal scene. 1997's Nighttime Birds was stylistically and musically a companion piece to Mandylion sold over 90,000 copies and saw the group tour throughout Europe.

In 1998 the group acknowledged their growing influences and their need to experiment with a double album, How to Measure a Planet?. Produced by Attie Bauw, the album is a radical departure from the group's established sound. Upon release, the album received excellent reviews from critics who appreciated the band's absorption of new styles such as shoegaze and trip hop into its sound. Positive reactions came from all over the world, including the United States, where they played 14 shows during the summer of 1999.

In 1999 the band formed their own record label, Psychonaut Records, with the view of releasing their own music and taking creative control over how their music is marketed and distributed. Always... was re-released in 1999, followed by Almost a Dance in 2000, both re-mastered and fitted with new artwork. However, the band were still under contract with Century Media, they released a live album Superheat (2000) which was recorded in several Dutch venues during 1999.

Another successful chapter in The Gathering's career followed with the release of if then else (2000). The album is filled with diverse, intense and emotional rock songs, more compact than its predecessor. Fifteen months of touring ensued, taking them to virtually every nook and cranny of Europe, with a little sidestep to Mexico, and ending with a small Dutch club tour in October 2001.

Independent years (2002–2008)

Anneke van Giersbergen in 2003

In 2002 the band members took a break and tended to their private lives. During this period, they ended their contract with Century Media. The Gathering had to run their newborn label Psychonaut Records and their 12½-year anniversary was coming up. To celebrate this with their fans, they released the mini-CD Black Light District on their own label.

In early 2003, Souvenirs was released. Sleepy Buildings, a semi-acoustic live album, followed in 2004. This album was the last one featuring Hugo Prinsen Geerligs as the bass player. He was later replaced by Marjolein Kooijman.

In 2005, The Gathering provided the music for a CD-ROM titled "Passengers in Time: The Musical History Tour". This CD accompanied a history study book written by Professor Wim Kratsborn and the band did not consider it to be an official release of theirs.

The band released a DVD in 2005, entitled A Sound Relief. This contained more gentle semi-acoustic songs. But this is not their first DVD. Century Media had released In Motion without band permission at 2001. Nevertheless In Motion had an acceptable success. The next plan was to release in 2007 a second DVD (recognized for the band) A Noise Severe which features the more hard rock sound of The Gathering. This DVD was recorded in Santiago, Chile at 24 March 2007 at the Caupolicán Theatre.

In April 2006 they released their eighth studio album called Home. They had toured in March in North and South America and, after a brief pause to let van Giersbergen treat a laryngitis problem, they continued their touring schedule with European dates and music festivals throughout 2006.

The Gathering toured throughout the U.S. and Canada with Lacuna Coil in early 2007. On 5 June 2007, it was announced that Anneke was leaving The Gathering to spend more time with her family and her own band, Agua de Annique. The band scheduled a final tour stop on 4–5 August 2007 at the Ankkarock Festival, Finland. The Ankkarock Festival was announced as the final performance with Anneke as vocalist.

Silje Wergeland era (2007–present)

Silje Wergeland in Budapest, 2010

In February 2008, The Gathering released a boxed set entitled Sand and Mercury - The Complete Century Media Years. This boxed set was limited to 3000 copies worldwide, and contained 10 discs including a selection of studio, live and compilation albums. The set also contained the audio from the In Motion DVD as a new live album, also entitled In Motion.

In September 2008, The Gathering released a collection of all their old material from 1989 to 1993 on a double CD. The album contains the demos, the never released promo 1992, live tracks and the Celtic Frost cover of "Dethroned Emperor". The songs were from the period of the first line-up with singer Bart Smits. All songs were restored and mastered by Mike Wead (King Diamond / Mercyful Fate) and was released by small Dutch independent label Vic Records.

The Gathering's ninth studio album, The West Pole, was released in May 2009, shortly after they were joined by a new singer, Silje Wergeland.

On 16 May 2011, the band released the single "Heroes for Ghosts" via their Bandcamp page, as well as announcing a South American tour. The song featured on their forthcoming album.

On 12 September 2012, the band released their tenth studio album, Disclosure.

The Gathering celebrated their 25th birthday as a band with two sold-out reunion concerts at Doornroosje in Nijmegen on 9 November 2014. It was the first time that four of their singers (Bart Smits, Marike Groot, Anneke van Giersbergen and Silje Wergeland) performed together, and the band's first performance with van Giersbergen since her departure in 2007.

On 8 December 2016, they surprise-released a double-disc of outtakes, demos & unreleased songs from the recordings of Souvenirs and Home, called Blueprints.

In June and November 2018, they played several shows in the Netherlands and did a small tour in Greece.

On 29 April 2022, the band released their eleventh studio album, and first in nearly 10 years, Beautiful Distortion.

In December 2024, the band announced that, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Mandylion, they would reunite with van Giersbergen for five sold-out August 2025 shows in Nijmegen.

Etymology

Frank Boeijen on the origins of the name of the band:

"The name the Gathering has been made like eleven years ago when we started this band. We were all between 15 and 17. We were watching a lot of movies those days. One of the movies spoke about immortality and that you could kill the immortals with cutting their head off . In the first part of the movie, they speak a lot about the gathering. There will be a gathering once with all the immortals. We thought it was a nice name for a band, and that's how we created this name. And you can feel it's a cool name for five people who come together to make fine music."

Members

Current lineup

  • René Rutten – guitars, theremin, flute, keyboards, percussion (1989–present)
  • Hans Rutten – drums (1989–present)
  • Hugo Prinsen Geerligs – bass, guitar, flute, additional keyboards, percussion (1989–2004; guest 2014; 2018–present)
  • Frank Boeijen – keyboards, synthesizer (1990–present)
  • Silje Wergeland – lead vocals, keyboards (2008–present)

Former members

  • Jelmer Wiersma – guitars (1989–1998; guest 2014)
  • Bart Smits – lead vocals (1989–1993, guest 2013 and 2014)
  • Marike Groot – backing & co-lead vocals (1992–1993; guest 2014)
  • Niels Duffhues – lead vocals, guitars (1993–1994)
  • Martine van Loon – backing & co-lead vocals (1993–1994)
  • Anneke van Giersbergen – lead vocals, guitars (1994–2007; guest 2014)
  • Marjolein Kooijman – bass, backing vocals (2004–2014)

Timeline

Discography

Main article: The Gathering discography

References

  1. "Former The Gathering Singer Launches Agua De Annique". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  2. Blabbermouth (4 April 2002). "THE GATHERING To Issue "Limited Edition" CD In June". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  3. "Vic Records". Vicrecords.com. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  4. "Interview with Bart Smits, ex-vocalist of THE GATHERING van Albert DiBenedetto (Kreavis B. Gribble) op Myspace". Myspace.com. 31 August 2010. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  5. Bickers, James. "The Gathering". AllMusic. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  6. Steffen Hung (27 January 1996). "Dutch Charts". Dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  7. "Anneke van Giersbergen boekt decennia later Top 2000-succes met The Gathering". NPO Radio 2 (in Dutch). Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  8. Rivadavia, Eduardo (23 January 2018). "10 Best Metal Albums of 1998". Loudwire. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  9. "THE GATHERING Offer New 'Heroes Of Ghosts' Track For Free Download". Bravewords.com. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  10. "Search for setlists: artist:(The Gathering) date:[2018-01-01 TO 2018-12-31] - setlist.fm". www.setlist.fm. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  11. "THE GATHERING Launch Music Video For New Single "We Rise"". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  12. Blabbermouth (13 December 2024). "THE GATHERING's 'Mandylion' Lineup Announces More 30th-Anniversary Shows In The Netherlands". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  13. "The Gathering". Gathering.nl. Retrieved 19 February 2012.

External links

The Gathering
Studio albums
Live albums
Extended plays
Compilations
Related articles
Categories: