The Gathering - 1997(2007) - Nighttime Birds (2 CD, Limited Remastered Edition) [VBR HQ]

The Gathering - 1997(2007) - Nighttime Birds (2 CD, Limited Remastered Edition) [VBR HQ]

Genre: Progressive Metal

Country: Netherlands

Official website: http://www.gathering.nl/
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THE GATHERING biography (at Progarchives):

THE GATHERING is a Dutch metal band which came to fame in the second half of 1990s with its unique blend of atmospheric, almost ambient sound and the compelling vocals of the passionate Anneke van Giersbergen. Though many lineup changes occured during the 90's, the band has seen but one such change in the past eight years, as Marjolein Kooijman replaced Hugo Prinsen Geerligs as bass guitarist in 2003. Other members include Hans Rutten (drums) and René Rutten (guitars), and Frank Boeijen (keyboards). Founded in 1989 by the aforementioned brothers Hans and René Rutten, the band began as a Death Metal band, influenced by Metal bands like CELTIC FROST, but also by other genres of music.



While their first two albums were quite typical, although refined Death Metal albums, 1995's "Mandylion", on which Anneke van Giersbergen sang for the first time, was a turning point for the band : a beautifully written, dark, haunting and emotional piece of music. It was also one of the first albums of its kind in respect to female fronted metal bands, and is still considered a standard in the genre. Their following studio albums "Nighttime Birds" (1997), "How to Measure a Planet? "(1998), "If_Then_Else" (2000) and "Souvenirs" (2003) all demonstrated a movement toward a more Progressive and Experimental and less Metal-ish sound, and showed maturation of the band. "Sleepy Buildings", released in 2004, is a live semi-acoustic perfomance recorded by the band over a course of two nights.



THE GATHERING are quite an interesting and unique band, whose music constantly evolves and approaches Pop and Rock from new angles. Indeed, none of their albums sound quite the same as the others. Highly recommended - Check them out !



Nighttime Birds - original album review and details (at Progarchives):

Review by sinkadotentree (John Davie,PROG REVIEWER) 4.5 stars of 5 stars.

This is one of my favourite records from THE GATHERING.It's all about powerful,heavy riffs and of course Anneke's voice.The album starts off with a very "Mandylion"-like song called "On Most Surfaces".It gets hard and heavy right away,when out of the fire and smoke comes this voice that's too beautiful to be of this world.Great song!"Confusion" is a slow powerful song that reverberates with guitar.There are three guitarists on this record."The May Song" is another favourite,it's lighter and Anneke's voice is the focus."New Moon,Different Day" is where the drummer gets to really shine."Kevin's Telescope" is a top three song,it's just wondrous including the lyrics."Nighttime Birds" has the best chorus on this disc,Anneke sings "when they fly through the night as beautiful nighttime birds."Overall a very strong release,and if you like lots of guitar and a good vocalist (who wouldn't like Anneke's voice?),well,you can't go wrong with "Nighttime Birds".



Track list



01. On Most Surfaces (Inuit) (6:52)

02. Confusion (6:30)

03. The May Song (3:43)

04. The Earth is my Witness (5:31)

05. New Moon, Different Day (6:06)

06. Third Chance (5:26)

07. Kevin's Telescope (3:22)

08. Nighttime Birds (6:55)

09. Shrink (3:59)



Total Time: 49:14



Line-up/Musicians



- Anneke van Giersbergen / vocals

- René Rutten / guitars

- Jelmer Wiersma / guitars

- Frank Boeijen / synthesizer, Grand piano

- Hugo Prinsen Geerligs / bass

- Hans Rutten / drums, Hammond organ, Leslie speakers



Release information



CD Century Media-77168-2- (1997)





Nighttime Birds (2 CD, Limited Remastered Edition) details:

2 CD with a total of 29 tracks; All tracks digitally re-mastered; New layouts; 28 pages special booklet.



Track list



CD 1



01. On Most Surfaces (06:55)

02. Confusion (06:33)

03. The May Song (03:45)

04. The Earth Is My Witness (05:31)

05. New Moon, Different Day (06:07)

06. Third Chance (05:26)

07. Kevin's Telescope (03:23)

08. Nighttime Birds (06:59)

09. Shrink (04:01)

10. The May Song (radio edit) (03:50)

11. The Earth Is My Witness (edit) (04:14)

12. Confusion (live in Krakow) (07:08)

13. The May Song (live in Krakow) (03:32)

14. New Moon, Different Day (live in Krakow) (06:03)

15. Adrenaline (live in Krakow) (04:06)



CD 1



01. New Moon, Different Day (06:18)

02. Kevin's Telescope (instrumental) (04:47)

03. Shrink (03:59)

04. The Earth Is My Witness (06:09)

05. Diamond Box (instrumental) (04:41)

06. Nighttime Birds (07:02)

07. On Most Surfaces (07:31)

08. Hjelmar's (instrumental) (01:35)

09. In Power We Entrust The Love Advocated (Dead Can Dance cover version) (04:05)

10. When The Sun Hits (slowdive cover version) (04:51)

11. Confusion (demo, eroc session) (07:16)

12. Shrink (alternative version) (02:14)

13. Adrenaline (04:14)

14. Third Chance (alternative version) (05:37)



Total Time: 147:52 min



Release information



Century Media (2007-07-30)