THE GATHERING

THE GATHERING
IF_THEN_ELSE (2000)
320 KBPS

If_Then_Else is widely considered The Gathering's finest work to date, and I'm not in disagreement with that statement either. There's enough semblance to earlier works which keep things from getting dull but there's also huge growth and sure signs of The Gathering spreading their wings musically as well. With three albums under Anneke's belt at the release of this, she's never sounded better or stronger. As for the rest of the guys, if you've heard any previous record you kind of know what to expect. However, If_Then_Else is truly where they really start experimenting and tweaking their sound.
My favorite songs are Rollercoaster, Bad Movie Scene, Colorado Incident, Saturnine, and Pathfinder. With each further CD The Gathering releases it seems they're competing with no one other than themselves. They're clearly in a league of their own and they have a fanbase that is only growing, knowing that alone should at least pique your interest enough to check them out. Starting here wouldn't be a bad idea either. Happy listening!

1. Rollercoaster
2. Shot to Pieces
3. Amity
4. Bad Movie Scene
5. Colorado Incident
6. Beautiful War
7. Analog Park
8. Herbal Movement
9. Saturnine
10. Morphia's Waltz
11. Pathfinder