THE GATHERING

The ninth full-length studio album by legendary Dutch Atmospheric Rock band.
The first album to feature new vocalist Silje Wergeland.
It goes without saying that this is a band that isn't afraid to push boundaries. From their roots all the way to the present, each album of theirs has been unique. Some have stylistic conventions in common, but each album has a distinct direction that keeps their listeners interested and intrigued.
“The West Pole” will undoubtedly remain a milestone in The Gathering's discography for a few reasons. The most obvious, of course, is the departure of former lead vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen. It's always a large deal when a vocalist leaves a large band, but for a band whose main focus is atmosphere, it would have been extremely easy for the band to pick someone who is completely unsuitable for their music. Thankfully, this isn't the case at all. The band chose Silje Wergeland (of Octavia Sperati fame) to take over the importance of replacing the void Anneke's departure left behind, and she does so very well. Fans of Anneke will be disappointed if they are still mourning for her departure - there is, simply, no way to replace her. What The Gathering did, however, is provide us with a vocalist who is technically proficient and can convey the meaning of the band's lyrics beautifully. To say she fits in with the tracks on “The West Pole” is an understatement.
The album itself is quite different from The Gathering's previous album, "Home". The use of electronics in the foreground is no more; this is perhaps the band's most Rock-oriented album to date. Sometimes albums like this tend to drag on too much, but at ten tracks, “The West Pole” has the perfect length to keep your attention.
The songwriting is strong in each individual track, and by the time "A Constant Run" ends, the only thing you'll be thinking about doing is listening through the album again.
Yes, Anneke will be missed, but “the show must go on”… “The West Pole” is hopefully only the beginning of a new and beautiful era for the band! Long live The Gathering!!
Psychonaut Records/Voice Music/Rock Machine Records/Die Hard Records/Rock Brigade Records/Overload Records, 2009/2011 (TG 001). Made in Brazil.


Tracklist:
1. When Trust Becomes Sound 03:53
2. Treasure 04:06
3. All You Are 04:34
4. The West Pole 06:35
5. No Bird Call 05:38
6. Capital Of Nowhere 06:35
7. You Promised Me A Symphony 02:54
8. Pale Traces 07:46
9. No One Spoke 04:32
10. A Constant Run 07:44
Total playing time: 54:17 min.

Expanded Edition remastered first re-release of the first compilation album by legendary Dutch Death/Doom Metal band.
Though Gathering are mostly known for the lushly recorded Goth Metal albums, this release reminds fans of the band’s rugged beginnings. Recorded long before vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen’s arrival, the songs on "Downfall" feature the Celtic Frost-like guttural growls of Bart Smits. Songs like the title track and “Subzero” still show traces of the Symphonic grandeur of later Gathering's material, but traffic in rougher guitars and pummelling drums. 
The record was first released in 2001 as "Downfall - The Early Years" CD + CD-R by Hammerheart Records, and includes the first demo and rehearsal, as well as a never released 7".
On 2008, an expanded version of the album was released as "Downfall" 2CD by Vic Records. The Expanded Edition includes an altered track list compared to the 2001 version, with some bonus tracks, as well as an alternative cover. Together with several live recordings, this release contains complete material from The Gathering’s early days (1989 - 1993). 27 songs with a total playing time of over 140 minutes, mastered and restored by Mike Wead (King Diamond/Mercyful Fate). The 16-page booklet includes liner notes and rare old pictures, provided by drummer Max.
CD 1:
Tracks 1-6 are taken from the "Promo '92".
Tracks 7-9 are taken from an unreleased 7". Recorded at Beaufort Studios.
Tracks 10-14 are taken from the demo "An Imaginary Symphony".
CD 2:
Track 1 is a previously unreleased Celtic Frost cover. Recorded live, October 18, 1990.
Tracks 2-6 are taken from the demo "Moonlight Archer".
Tracks 7-13 are assorted live recordings from 1991-1993 (including five tracks recorded at Huddinge Fest, Sweden, 1993).
VIC Records, 2001/2008 (VIC007). Made in Netherlands. Pressed in UK.


Tracklist:

DISK I
1. Heartbeat Amplifier 4:56
2. Her Last Flight 8:09
3. On A Wave 5:28
4. The Illusionist 4:30
5. Passage Of Desire 4:49
6. Of Pavilions And Fountains 3:33
7. In Sickness And Health 7:26
8. Gaya's Dream 6:23
9. Always… 2:29
10. Second Sunrise 6:49
11. Six Dead, Three To Go 4:05
12. Downfall (Demo Version) 5:20
13. Another Day 3:13
14. Share The Wisdom 4:12
Playing time: 71:22 min.

DISK II
1. Dethroned Emperor (Celtic Frost cover) 4:12
2. Subzero 6:21
3. Anthology In Black 3:53
4. Second Sunrise 6:51
5. Downfall 6:04
6. In Sickness And Health 6:42
7. Anthology In Black 3:02
8. Downfall 5:34
9. Subzero 6:45
10. Second Sunrise 7:07
11. Gaya's Dream 6:16
12. Stonegarden 4:59
13. Heartbeat Amplifier 5:11
Playing time: 72:57 min.

Total playing time: 144:19 min.