A SOUND RELIEF

I'd like to start off by noting I have this odd habit of buying or borrowing a band DVD before getting their albums, or after getting just one or two. I like live albums, and I like live DVD's even more. The visual aspect really matters quite a bit, I think.

And so, I would get my grubby lil' paws on this DVD, not too long after getting both "Downfall: The Early Years" and "Home". I was curious as to how the current The Gathering was when performing live... I wasn't blown away; the setlist is too relaxed for that, but I was impressed. So much, even, that I bought tickets to see them live in January for the first time. :)

Anyway, this DVD, as I mentioned, has a relaxed setlist. None of the more rockin' songs like "Eléanor" and "On Most Surfaces" surface here, though they do perform material from a lot of albums, such as "If_Then_Else", "How To Measure A Planet?", "Almost A Dance", and even a new song that found its way on "Home" (still unreleased that time). The main bits are from "How To Measure A Planet?" and "Souvenirs", the most recent studio album back then. The audience is sitting, and the band are visibly enjoying themselves. This is a very nice DVD to relax to. Just sit, put it on and drift away. It also works well to have it on on the background. Speaking of background, the animations used on the screen are nicely done and fit in well with the music. "Triprock", they call it, I think.

I'm not up to date about the studio album versions, but the songs sound great, and after a few listens, I'm getting to know them more and more. I'm planning on getting my hands on the "In Motion" DVD too, so I can't compare this one to it, but seeing the setlists, this one seems the most relaxed of the two.

Both in the visual and audio department, this is a nice and successful concert DVD. :) I just worry that the next DVD, entitled "A Noise Severe", will be more of the same. Not that it's a bad thing, but The Gathering has clearly chosen the musical path they want to take, and that's away from metal. Personally I find that truly progressive and I admire they have the guts to do that. Some fans may not like this laid-back DVD for it contains no headbang moments, no real metal, but I find myself enjoying this newer incarnation of The Gathering, as well as the previous ones. ^^

My only complaint is the stage performance. Except for Anneke's swingin' and the guitar player and drum shots, it's a bit average. Then again, the music isn't really made for stage performance, but rather a listening experience. The new bass player, Marjolein, probably has a few nerve problems as she's being quite passive, barely moving at all. That's alright, though, as she's only replaced long-standing bassplayer Hugo Prinsen-Geerlings some time after the release of "Sleepy Buildings" and "Souvenirs", and to think that this is the 2004 tour...you know, she's rather new to the band.

Conclusion? If you like the current style of The Gathering, you can likely appreciate this concert recording. If you're expecting metal of any kind, you're better off buying a DVD of WITHIN TEMPTATION or something. ^^

Yours, Tailscent

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