Always

Description

The Gathering is a Dutch alternative rock band & was founded in 1989 by brothers Hans & René Rutten & vocalist Bart Smits. The early incarnation of the band featured a much more death & doom metal-based style than the more atmospheric rock & experimental music they became known for over the years, having enjoyed a highly successful career globally over a 20-year period. The band recorded 2 demos initially before making their studio debut with 'Always…'.

'Always…' was The Gathering's debut full-length album. Originally released in 1992 , it is a prime example of classic atmospheric death/doom metal with brutal vocals & slow funereal riffing influenced by bands such as Celtic Frost, as well as the implementation of keyboards to accentuate the dark ambience. Now released on Peaceville for the first time, a track from the release was even featured on an early Peaceville Records compilation, 'Volume 4', with the track 'In Sickness & Health'.

This edition of 'Always...' is presented on limited white vinyl & coincides with the 30th anniversary of the album.

Description

Released on June 9th 1992, Always... by The Gathering is one of the rare albums in metal that turned out to be a game-changer. On the debut album, the young Dutch band blended doom and death metal with prominent keyboard parts. It featured female vocals in an era when the metal scene was still a male-dominated environment. The album showcased how heavy sounds could be enriched by diverse musical influences.

Consequently, Always... laid the foundation for subgenres like gothic metal, often referred to as female-fronted metal or what is now recognized as progressive metal - a term commonly used today. The Gathering were true pioneers, opening doors not only for themselves but also for other Dutch bands such as Within Temptation, After Forever, Epica, Kingfisher Sky, Nemesea, and Delain. In retrospect, their influence extended globally, inspiring acts like the predominantly Norwegian Nightwish, the American Evanescence, and the Italian Lacuna Coil.

Above all, The Gathering's debut album is a unique masterpiece, characterized by well-constructed songs and clever arrangements. Upon its release, the album received rave reviews, leading to global commercial success. Always... firmly established The Gathering as the leading band in the flourishing Dutch metal scene of the early '90s. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a remarkable journey, touring alongside Paradise Lost, performing for a massive crowd of 8,000 while opening for Faith No More, and receiving invitations to perform in Israel. All these achievements were realized by a group of mostly teenagers who still lived with their parents and were expected to attend school every day.

FFO: Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Celtic Frost

Description

Released on June 9th 1992, Always by The Gathering is one of the rare albums in metal that turned out to be a game-changer. On the debut album, the young Dutch band blended doom and death metal with prominent keyboard parts. It featured female vocals in an era when the metal scene was still a male-dominated environment. The album showcased how heavy sounds could be enriched by diverse musical influences.

Consequently, Always... laid the foundation for subgenres like gothic metal, often referred to as female-fronted metal or what is now recognized as progressive metal - a term commonly used today. The Gathering were true pioneers, opening doors not only for themselves but also for other Dutch bands such as Within Temptation, After Forever, Epica, Kingfisher Sky, Nemesea, and Delain. In retrospect, their influence extended globally, inspiring acts like the predominantly Norwegian Nightwish, the American Evanescence, and the Italian Lacuna Coil.

Above all, The Gathering's debut album is a unique masterpiece, characterized by well-constructed songs and clever arrangements. Upon its release, the album received rave reviews, leading to global commercial success. Always... firmly established The Gathering as the leading band in the flourishing Dutch metal scene of the early '90s. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a remarkable journey, touring alongside Paradise Lost, performing for a massive crowd of 8,000 while opening for Faith No More, and receiving invitations to perform in Israel. All these achievements were realized by a group of mostly teenagers who still lived with their parents and were expected to attend school every day.

Description

Released on June 9th 1992, Always... by The Gathering is one of the rare albums in metal that turned out to be a game-changer. On the debut album, the young Dutch band blended doom and death metal with prominent keyboard parts. It featured female vocals in an era when the metal scene was still a male-dominated environment. The album showcased how heavy sounds could be enriched by diverse musical influences.

Consequently, Always... laid the foundation for subgenres like gothic metal, often referred to as female-fronted metal or what is now recognized as progressive metal - a term commonly used today. The Gathering were true pioneers, opening doors not only for themselves but also for other Dutch bands such as Within Temptation, After Forever, Epica, Kingfisher Sky, Nemesea, and Delain. In retrospect, their influence extended globally, inspiring acts like the predominantly Norwegian Nightwish, the American Evanescence, and the Italian Lacuna Coil.

Above all, The Gathering's debut album is a unique masterpiece, characterized by well-constructed songs and clever arrangements. Upon its release, the album received rave reviews, leading to global commercial success. Always... firmly established The Gathering as the leading band in the flourishing Dutch metal scene of the early '90s. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a remarkable journey, touring alongside Paradise Lost, performing for a massive crowd of 8,000 while opening for Faith No More, and receiving invitations to perform in Israel. All these achievements were realized by a group of mostly teenagers who still lived with their parents and were expected to attend school every day.

FFO: Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Celtic Frost

Description

MID-PRICE CD EDITION OF THE 1992 DEBUT ALBUM OF ATMOSPHERIC DEATH/DOOM

FROM THE DUTCH LEGENDS

The Gathering is a Dutch alternative rock band & was founded in 1989 by brothers Hans & Rene Rutten & vocalist Bart Smits. The early incarnation of the band featured a much more death & doom metal based style than the more atmospheric rock & experimental music they became known for over the years, having enjoyed a highly successful career globally over a span of several decades, & continues to this day.

Following the recording of two initial demos after their formation, 'Always...' was The Gathering's debut full-length album. Originally released in 1992, the opus is a prime example of classic atmospheric death/doom metal with brutal vocals & slow funereal riffing influenced by bands such as Celtic Frost, as well as the implementation of keyboards to accentuate the dark ambience. A track from the album was originally featured on an early Peaceville Records compilation, Volume 4, with the song "In Sickness & Health".

This edition of 'Always...' is presented in jewel case packaging & includes an 8-page booklet.