Breaking it down now, the first disc focuses on the B-sides released throughout the band’s career. Here you will find many live gems including “In Motion” and “Leaves” versions which were the first live recordings with Anneke van Giersbergen after the recordings of Mandylion. You also have a nice live version of “Strange Machines” and yet another live version of “Leaves” both of these with full orchestra. The band also shows some of their roots with a couple of cover songs. For my money I found that the cover of Dead Can Dance “In Power We Entrust The Love Advocated” alone practically makes this disc worth the price of admission. Here we see a perfect example that epitomizes every thing that makes this band so great. Anneke’s voice is angelic amongst a beautifully haunting atmosphere, creating something both memorable and emotional. Other noteworthy tracks include alternate versions of “Shrink” and “Third Chance” from “Nighttime Birds” sessions.

Disc 2 now is the rarities and can actually be broken down into two different sections. The first is from the “Nighttime Bird” sessions and the second from “How to Measure A Planet” Anyone who has listened to these albums before will recognize alternate versions of classic songs (some quite more different than others) What I found interesting here are some unreleased instrumentals “Diamond Box” and “Hjelmar’s” along with an instrumental version of “Kevin’s Telescope”. As a whole, the second disc may lose a little momentum coming off the first, but with such a large quantity of material there is hardly anything to complain about. The packaging is also first class with some great photos and information on the majority of the tracks. In conclusion, I am certain that fans of The Gathering already possess this record, and I would recommend this collection to anyone who is remotely interested in their music.

written by Joe Grammatico

Playing time: 144.37