Gathering

How to Measure a Planet?

Very misunderstood (ESPECIALLY the title track)...

Review Score:

(10/10)
This album has put off a lot of people because it is softer than their previous ones. One reviewer mentioned how this isn't really metal; well, I'd have to agree completely. The Gathering moved FAR beyond metal for this double CD, alternately simplifying and deepening their sonic approach. The reverb-heavy, semi-prog "anthem" style of Mandylion isn't here in large amounts. Instead, more straightforward melodies, less 'labyrinthine' arrangements and simpler (almost rough) production prevails, albeit with a lot of VERY interesting (and original!) keyboard sounds and loops... in a way, it has a techno-garage feel to it. But the results are just wonderful. The songs float by you, moving sound pictures in a vaguely psychedelic fashion, but the Gathering don't REALLY sound like any other major band here. Some tracks are slightly weaker, and may have a sameness to them, such as the seemingly deliberate melody repetition in "Frail" and "Travel" (which I, personally, think is a great touch, adding continuity). But if you take an open-ended approach, rather than wanting to 'rock out' to this album, you will come away very moved by these songs. Nowhere is this more true than with the title track. Everyone trashes it for being too long, just a wash of white noise, etc..... But that's what makes it AMAZING! Listen to it as an experience (headphones on, eyes closed and all), not a song. It should make sense then. When I first did this (and I've had the fortune of never listening to this without headphones on and the lights off), I seriously couldn't move after the song ended. What an experience. Two CD's worth of material, even if it is as deep as this music is, is still a lot to warrant, perhaps too much at times (as said, several of the songs sound very similar). The result is that you will unlikely ever listen to it ALL at once, but if that's the case, look at it as two completely seperate albums. It's still fantastic music: inventive, but so pretty it can't help but be accessible. Four and 1/2 stars.

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