Starting out as a death metal band, 24 years later The Gathering are now classified as experimental rock/trip hop. One thing is for sure with this Dutch band, to always expect the unexpected and that they are impossible to categorize into one genre. Their style has changed immensely since they began in 1989 and their debut album Always (1992). Anneke van Giersbergen took over as vocalist of the band in 1994 and during her time she helped the band grow stronger while becoming more in sync with each other. Some of the memorable albums which featured Giersbergen include If Then Else (2000) and Souvenirs (2003). Shockingly Giersbergen’s departed in 2007, bringing a lot of uncertainty to the band’s future. In the eyes of many fans Giersbergen was simply irreplaceable, however, The Gathering is always full of great surprises and were determined to carry on.
After much speculation, vocalist of Norwegian band Octavia Sverati, Silje Wergeland, became the new voice of The Gathering. Her instrument was a great transition and fitting for the band’s modern tranquil style. With Wergeland on vocals now for two full length albums entitled The West Pole (2009) and Disclosure (2012), the band wasted no time releasing their newest album Afterwords in 2013 via their own label Psychonaut Records. The label was created back in 1999 for the sole purpose of letting their creativity run wild and free. With that being said, that’s exactly what Afterwords is all about.
The album transports you into your own peaceful haven from the first track “S.I.B.A.L.D”, setting a mood of solitude and tranquility. Opening at a very slow and soothing pace, it is relaxing and not as heavy as what The Gathering once were. Adding to intrigue, soprano vocals are added halfway into the song making for a pleasant listen. The second track, “Echoes Keep Growing”, has more of an experimental electronic sound with the tempo picking up a bit more than from the prior track. The hypnotizing lyrics of “I shut my eyes, I close my mouth” combined with Wergeland’s voice make for a beautiful song. The tempo changes half way through to a heavier and darker sound, reminding you slightly of the band’s older style. Moving back to a slower and serene pace, is the unexpected track “Areas” bringing a very ambient and Celtic feel. The lyrics emerge as poetically written and meaningful; “People drifting from the distance. People arrive and depart. Fall into an area. People appear from the twilight. See them come in from the cold. Come into an area. Come into an area. Approaching me, approaching you, come this area”. Lyrically very simple, yet something everyone can relate to in life. You can approach the lyrics as looking at the events during our lives or perhaps a vision of life after death.
On the title track “Afterwords” we are given perhaps the best song of the album. Lyrically magical as well, you can interpret quite a few things; a failed love, what happens when a loved one dies, or what happens after the good days collapse into a darkened painful haze. The title of the track explains it all; things can crumble and in the “Afterwords” we can all enter our own personal downward spiral, or break away from it all and find a way to climb to a higher place. Compounding your excitement long-time Gathering fans get a treat with a guest appearance by Bart Smits on the track.
After such an emotional heavy experience a peaceful tempo is provided in “Turning In, Fading Out”. The track has a different electronic rhythm as the vocals remain soprano and relaxing. The sixth track “Gemini III” has a great guitar riff introduction, meshing well with the keyboards. It is a very engaging song, especially when the guitar riff transitions, becoming darker and slowing down as soft vocals chime in. The combination of the melody, tempo, and vocals to this song are seamless and makes you want to listen to the track on repeat. Clearly making this one the best tracks on the album, each element works well with each other. On “Afterlights” we are treated to a slow paced instrumental interlude with soft electronic elements and peaceful intro, similar in style as the opening track on the album.
Immediately picking things up is “Sleep Paralysis” starting off with edgy dark electronic hits, making for a very enigmatic song with a mysterious sound. It is definitely the most experimental track on the album gradually becoming heavier with minimal vocals and a vibe of a somber Celtic chant. A soothing soft intro leads us into the ninth and final track on the album, “Bärenfels”. Sung in non-English dialectic the song stays true to tranquil style emphasized throughout the album. Three minutes into the song the rhythm changes, becoming softer and quieter, yet there is a feeling of anticipation waiting for the music to become heavier again. The climax occurs at about five minutes making for an engaging and almost hypnotic experience. The song slowly comes to its end around eight minutes with darker tones and an ambient fade out .
The Gathering have definitely proven that there are no limits in their style and genre of music. Afterwords is their most experimental album and with these experiments, there are always some good and bad risks. It’s highly creative, psychedelic, serene, and ambient. Each track remain incredibly mesmerizing and relaxing. The superior tracks on Afterwords are ones that have lyrics and vocals. Predominately electronic and instrumental tracks, this album could have been a lot stronger with more use of Wergeland’s voice. As a whole, CrypticRock gives Afterwords 3.5 out of 5.
- Psychonaut Records
Written by Zenae Zukowski
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Truly Afterwords song is Indeed the mos powerful song in the entire album. Good production, gotta love The Gathering and their brilliant performance. Not a master peace, but a really good album.