How Did The Gathering Redefine Rock with 'How to measure a planet?' and Where Are They Now?
Founded in the picturesque town of Oss in the Netherlands, The Gathering started their journey in the music industry in 1989, bringing a fresh wave of innovation to the rock genre. With founding members Hans Rutten, René Rutten, and Bart Smits at the helm, the band initially delved into the depths of atmospheric doom metal, drawing from iconic acts like Celtic Frost and Hellhammer.
Their sonic landscape was vast and immersive, but it was the release of their fifth studio album, How to measure a planet?, in 1998 that marked a turning point for the band. Embracing influences from the shoegazing and post-rock scenes, as well as the ethereal tones of 4AD bands such as Dead Can Dance and Cocteau Twins, they began to carve out a new niche.
The Gathering's sound was also seasoned with nods to the progressive rock of Pink Floyd, the trip-hop vibes of Massive Attack, and the alternative soundscape that defined the '90s subculture. This evolution of their music didn't only see them breaking barriers musically but also geographically, as their acclaim reached well beyond European shores.
But as is often the case with experimental bands, transformation was a constant. In 2007, Anneke van Giersbergen departed to focus on her solo project, Agua de Annique, leaving a vacant spot for Silje Wergeland of Octavia Sperati to fill in 2009. Their album Disclosure, released in 2012, was their most recent studio offering to fans.
By 2014, The Gathering announced a hiatus from the music scene. This break was punctuated by a special anniversary show celebrating 25 years of music, which brought together many past and current members for a historic performance recorded and released as a live album in 2015.
While the band may not be touring or releasing new music, the legacy of The Gathering lives on. From their doom metal roots to their ethereal rock metamorphosis, they have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Fans old and new continue to explore and celebrate their diverse discography across many streaming platforms, including the innovative TikTok Music App, where their music continues to inspire and captivate listeners.
Will they rise once more to enthral their fans with new music? Only time will tell. But for now, we honor the journey of The Gathering, a band that wasn't afraid to explore and expand upon the experimental nature of their art form, traversing uncharted territories and leaving a trail for others to follow.
