SYMPHONIZED

The Netherlands have delivered quite a bunch of female vocalists to the symphonic and gothic metal genres. Anneke van Giersbergen is perhaps its most celebrated veteran, with important vocal contributions to The Gathering, Vuur, Devin Townsend Project and Ayreon (and related projects). Her solo-career is perhaps less known, but this live recording justifies a change in that regard. Beforehand, let me admit I don't like any of these particular groups and I didn't own or know a single song on this live recording.

On this 2LP Van Giersbergen is accompanied not by a (rock)band, but by the Dutch Residentie Orchestra. Songs art taken from The Gathering, Vuur, The Gentle Storm, her solo output and there's a classical piece by 17th century composer H. Purcell. All rearranged for classical orchestra - and I must say I'm quite surprised how these 'guilty pleasure' styled sympho-metal pieces are turned into quite lively symphonic pieces. For me listening to these type of arrangements is nothing too engaging. It sometimes reminds me of the early Scott Walker albums (please add this artist to PA!) or the barock pop of the late sixties, such as the great Judie Collins. To keep the beat alive the strings frequently play those staccato pulsing patterns I love so much in the modern classical music of John Adams. Making the arrangement as harmonically engaging as Adams' would have done much good here; but that to much to ask for rock/symphony crossover like this.

As it stands, these are often well conceived arrangements with beautiful harmonies, but let's admit it: the main reason these recordings are as good as they are is because they make way for Giersbergen's beautiful voice! Van Giersbergen is blessed with a voice that allows for restraint without ever loosing its potency to cut through mixes like butter. She doesn't have to do particularly much to impress, just the fullness of her voice and her personal timbre will elevate even the simplest melodies. This makes for an ever relaxing, yet exciting listening experience that makes you listen to the double LP in one spin. Most of these songs have these particular moment of beautiful melancholy and I can't image why this record shouldn't be among the higher rated live album on progarchives or any other rating site. My rating is four stars, I'm glad that as an admirer of her voice I finally found an album I like.