A Home Gathering

Some may find the alien-like (?) creature on the cover uninviting, but those that are familiar with the name of The Gathering know better. It's been 11 years since the band, with the arrival of Anneke Van Giersbergen, changed the status of front-woman metal bands almost single-handedly. Since then, the atmospheric but undoubtedly metal music of the band gave way to experimentations and artistic explorations that would mean commercial suicide for most metal bands. With Anneke's enchanting voice and unique personal style, however, The Gathering found themselves gaining more fans than losing. The talent of the band's musicians was no small part of the success. In the process of going from an atmospheric metal band to an alloy of Pink Floyd with darkwave and gothic rock, the band's composers (Anneke among them) offered some excellent songs. "Home" is perhaps the band's most removed album from metal so far. Anneke keeps a lower profile, the music sometimes borders on ambient and sometimes on more mainstream stuff (a more depressing Cranberries maybe). I can't say it's their best album, but its notes in the air are a pleasant presence. A perfect background if you want to relax your depression away...