The Gathering

The Gathering is a Dutch alternative rock band, founded in 1989 by brothers Hans and René Rutten and vocalist Bart Smits in the small city of Oss, North Brabant. Notable for their later success with vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen.

The Gathering earliest releases were categorized as atmospheric death/doom metal, inspired by such underground acts like Celtic Frost and Hellhammer. The addition of vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen in 1994 marked an evolution in The Gathering's musical style, the group acknowledged the growing influence of shoegaze, post rock, experimental rock and the more ethereal sounds of 4AD bands such as Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, as well as Pink Floyd and Massive Attack; expanding their sound, more characteristic of progressive, alternative, and trip rock. The group continue to expand upon the experimental nature of their music.

In August 2007 Anneke van Giersbergen left the group to focus on her solo project Agua de Annique.[1] On 12 March 2009, The Gathering announced that their replacement vocalist was Silje Wergeland (ex-Octavia Sperati). Their most recent album, The West Pole, was released in May 2009.