Established in the quintessentially Dutch town of Oss amidst the late 80s flourish of rock, The Gathering began as a passionate project by brothers Hans and René Rutten alongside vocalist Bart Smits. With their roots in atmospheric doom metal, the band drew inspiration from death metal pioneers like Celtic Frost and Hellhammer. However, their audacious musical evolution marked a striking departure from their initial soundscape.
By 1998, the arrival of their fifth studio album, How to measure a planet?, heralded a significant stylistic shift. Embracing influences from shoegazing, post-rock, and experimental rock, The Gathering invited a spectrum of more ethereal sounds into their work—echoes of iconic 4AD bands like Dead Can Dance and Cocteau Twins, paralleled with the expansive reveries of Pink Floyd and the electronic beat tapestries of Massive Attack.
As the band increasingly incorporated elements of progressive and alternative rock, along with trip-hop nuances, they not only reshaped their identity but also amassed acclaim that reached well beyond Europe's frontiers. Their exploratory spirit never wavered and is encapsulated in their discography, culminating in their latest offering, Disclosure, released back in 2012.
The Gathering has also been home to various talents, with Anneke van Giersbergen's departure in 2007 marking a notable chapter in their journey. Subsequently, the band welcomed Silje Wergeland, known for her prior work with Octavia Sperati, extending The Gathering's legacy with her rich vocal tapestry.
Despite announcing a hiatus since 2014, and the exit of bassist Marjolein Kooijman, The Gathering remains an emblematic entity in the rock domain. Their 25th anniversary celebration in 2014, which brought together past and current members, rekindled the spirit of their musical voyage and was immortalized through a live album release in 2015.
Today, while taking a break from their usual grind of recording and touring, the legacy of The Gathering's innovative sound continues to resonate. Embark on a sonic adventure and discover their music on TikTok Music, where the essence of the band's evolutionary music can be revisited or experienced anew.
