SOUVENIRS

While most people can easily agree on the quality of THE GATHERING albums between '95 & 2000, I am afraid that this one might divide the listening community. Like always, it would be unfair to put this into terms of "good & bad". I do believe that it really depends on whether it touches you emotionally or ... simply doesn't.

There is no question about A.VG to be an outstanding vocalist (I really got hooked on the word "enchantress", now that I am writing reviews for all GATHERING studio albums in a row). I do believe there is also no question about the unique sound and just like on the ones before, I do understand everyone who was taken by the magic they created.

Maybe it is best just trying to desribe the points in which they changed - without rating them! GATHERING albums became calmer, more intimate, even more (if this is possible) focussed on the voice of their singer. Sometimes this seems to me almost "introverted", like sharing the thoughts of someone's diary, being told to me in a whisper. They ... or she ... can definitely take you on a journey - a beautiful journey that deserves 5 points.

Me ... well I guess I missed the train. Enchanting as it may be, I am missing something. They almost abandonned what I loved to hear on MANDYLION & NIGHTIME BIRDS. Probably it's my fault, being a guitar man myself. Throughout most of the songs, I feel like they have switched down his amplifier or sent him for a cigarette break while recording.

It would be very unfair to rate them bad for doing so because the result definitely is a very specific and charming offer. Whether you feel comfortable with it or not is a matter of taste. While I see the beauty of it, it doesn't enchant me anymore. Forgive me if my comparison is maybe not a good one, but personally I feel like NIGHTWISH went to become JEWEL.