It was 1995, an exciting time for the metal scene! Traditional forms of metal were already established, but creative bands had found new ways of making heavy music, inventing genres like groove metal, Gothic metal, and nu metal. One of those bands was THE GATHERING from the Netherlands. Their death/doom metal debut “Always” was followed by the heavily criticized “Almost a Dance” before the band made a brilliant move by hiring Anneke van Giersbergen as their new singer. This move was not only essential for the band themselves, but has had a major impact on the entire metal scene!
So, what was the fuss all about? Obviously, THE GATHERING were not the first band to ever have a female lead vocalist, and they were also not the first band to take a different approach to metal music. However, with “Mandylion,” released on August 25th, 1995, all the pieces of the puzzle fit together: there was beautiful music, atmospheric and heavy at the same time, with this lady singing like an angel. It was something completely different, bold and daring, but also melodic and even catchy at times. A good example of that catchiness was the single “Strange Machines,” which brought the band major attention and spiked the interest of current and future metalheads alike. Yes, this song alone has inspired many young people to listen to heavy music, including myself.
Of course, “Mandylion” would not have become the classic that it is with just one great song. From the Gothic vibes of “Eleanor” to the progressive landscapes of “In Motion #1” and “In Motion #2”, or the post-metal (avant la lettre) epic “Sand and Mercury,” THE GATHERING have shaped and defined atmospheric metal, with Anneke’s impressive vocals being the icing on the cake. This was not just Gothic metal, but went far beyond any genre boundaries. It was difficult for many old-school metal fans to appreciate, but the new generation loved it, and “Mandylion” became a major success.
So, why has this album been so influential? First of all, because it was incredibly progressive with a unique blend of styles. With this approach, THE GATHERING have inspired other bands to get creative and step out of common conventions. Secondly, “Mandylion” has helped to popularize Gothic metal and is considered one of the major classics in the genre. However, its most important influence has been on the position of women in metal. Of course, there was the occasional metal band with female members, but they have been marginal at best. This all changed in the mid-’90s when Anneke van Giersbergen paved the way for other women to gain importance in the metal scene. Originally, this has been most prominent in the Gothic metal scene, after which symphonic metal, under the influence of NIGHTWISH and WITHIN TEMPTATION, took things even further. Ever since the release of “Mandylion,” women have become a force to reckon with. It was a much-needed change, breathing new life into a male-dominated subculture.
While women started to claim their place, THE GATHERING would only release one more metal album, called “Nighttime Birds”. While not as progressive as “Mandylion,” it was another success and another great album. After that, the band moved into a different direction, focusing more on alternative and experimental rock. This led to a string of quality albums, but “Mandylion” will always be their ultimate classic, the album that changed everything. I consider it one of the most important albums in the history of metal, opening pathways to new subgenres and firmly establishing the position of women in metal. Last, but not least, it still sounds great after 30 years!
Written by Lykle Thijssen
Tracklist
- Strange Machines
- Eleanor
- In Motion #1
- Leaves
- Fear the Sea
- Mandylion
- Sand and Mercury
- In Motion #2
Lineup
Anneke van Giersbergen – Vocals
René Rutten – Guitar
Jelmer Wiersma – Guitar
Frank Boeijen – Keyboards
Hugo Prinsen Geerligs – Bass
Hans Rutten – Drums
Label
Century Media
