Join The Gathering and Burning World Records for a free listening party to celebrate and listen for the first time to the new mix and master of Always.... in full. Come along to listen to the music with the band and chat about the making of the new version of album.
Streaming + Download
Pre-order of Always... 30 year anniversary edition. You get 2 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released.
Purchasable with gift card
releases May 3, 2024
€9.99EUR or more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Edition of 300
Includes digital pre-order of Always... 30 year anniversary edition.
You get 2 tracks now
(streaming via the free Bandcamp app
and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the
complete album the moment it’s released.
digital album releases May 3, 2024
item ships out within 5 days
Purchasable with gift card
€34.99EURor more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Edition of 600
Includes digital pre-order of Always... 30 year anniversary edition.
You get 2 tracks now
(streaming via the free Bandcamp app
and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the
complete album the moment it’s released.
digital album releases May 3, 2024
item ships out within 5 days
Purchasable with gift card
€29.99EURor more
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
Digipack
Includes digital pre-order of Always... 30 year anniversary edition.
You get 2 tracks now
(streaming via the free Bandcamp app
and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the
complete album the moment it’s released.
• New version from remixed and remastered original studio tapes
• Newly mixed by Guido Aalbers (Giesound) and the band.
• Mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Voivod, Faith No More, Yes)
• Available on audiophile double vinyl cut on 45rpm for maximum audio quality
• New art (painting and drawing) by Richard Schouten (Acrostichon, Acid King) based on the original artwork.
Released on June 9th 1992, Always… by The Gathering is one of the rare albums in metal that turned out to be a game-changer. On the debut album, the young Dutch band blended doom and death metal with prominent keyboard parts. It featured female vocals in an era when the metal scene was still a male-dominated environment. The album showcased how heavy sounds could be enriched by diverse musical influences.
Consequently, Always… laid the foundation for subgenres like gothic metal, often referred to as female-fronted metal or what is now recognized as progressive metal – a term commonly used today. The Gathering were true pioneers, opening doors not only for themselves but also for other Dutch bands such as Within Temptation, After Forever, Epica, Kingfisher Sky, Nemesea, and Delain. In retrospect, their influence extended globally, inspiring acts like the predominantly Norwegian Nightwish, the American Evanescence, and the Italian Lacuna Coil.
Above all, The Gathering's debut album is a unique masterpiece, characterized by well-constructed songs and clever arrangements. Upon its release, the album received rave reviews, leading to global commercial success. Always… firmly established The Gathering as the leading band in the flourishing Dutch metal scene of the early '90s. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a remarkable journey, touring alongside Paradise Lost, performing for a massive crowd of 8,000 while opening for Faith No More, and receiving invitations to perform in Israel. All these achievements were realized by a group of mostly teenagers who still lived with their parents and were expected to attend school every day.
credits
releases May 3, 2024
Jelmer Wiersma Acoustic Guitar [12 String], Electric Guitar
René Rutten Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Hugo Prinsen Geerligs Bass, Flute, Triangle
Hans Rutten Drums, Wind Chimes
Marike Groot Vocals [Female]
Bart Smits Vocals, Backing Vocals
Frank Boeijen Keyboards, Grand Piano
Lyrics By The Gathering
New mix by Guido Aalbers at GieSound.
New master by Maor Appelbaum for maorappelbaum.com.
From doom and gothic metal (early years) to triprock with electronic elements and soundscapes; The Gathering's unique sound
has always been hard to pigeonhole. The band has seen various line-up changes over the years and has evolved into an eclectic atmospheric rock band....more
supported by 5 fans who also own “Always... 30 year anniversary edition”
Wow! Glad I got the vinyl. Brings the experience to a higher level. Sounds fantastic. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you're on the fence. Mubla Na Thguob
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