The Gathering is one very special band. It's been a long time since they first popularized the concept of woman-fronted metal band, and it's now quite a common phenomenon. But that's not why they're special. It is because ever since Anneke Van Giersbergen joined the band in 1995, they make their own unique way in music. Sometimes dark, sometimes happy, sometimes heavy and sometimes mellow, but always making you sing. I had seen them live in 1998, so it was definitely time for refreshing my memory. It would be a shame to miss this concert.
Maybe my preconception that concert attraction has dropped is mistaken, but Ydrogeios Club was fully packed. It would be nicer to have more space to move, but that's where my complaints end. The band's sound was great, and I found that many new songs sound a lot better live. Anneke is the kind of frontwoman who tries to keep a low profile but fails utterly. She's not the most beautiful woman out there, true, but it's hard not to be adored by the fans when her expressions and her movements are so cute, and her smile so enchanting. What's more amazing is her crystal-clear voice that is at the same level it was 12 years ago (if not better). The woman simply delivered the goods and made the cd recordings sound poor.
As for the setlist, and I know I speak for the majority of the greek fans, it couldn't be better. "Shortest Day", "Waking Hour", "Monsters", "Liberty Bell", "Leaves", "Probably Built In The 50s" (awesome!), "Even The Spirits Are Afraid", "Saturnine", "Great Ocean Road"...I sure am forgetting some, but the encore was unforgettable : "Eleanor", "In Motion #1" and "Strange Machines" (I'm sure they knew they couldn't get out of there without playing it!).
In the video, a song from the concert (thanx to RoughSilk!). Enjoy!
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