SUPERHEAT (LIVE ALBUM)

Bloody live albums - cant stand 'em, sorry. Shame, I bought this in error - thought it was a studio release, it isn't. I have to say that those with a bent towards industrial-ish prog-sort of metal will like it, but nowt special. However, her voice is special, check out what she does with Ayreon. In fact, better all round, get Ayreon (Electric Castle) instead. This is sort of better Evernescance (which aint difficult) but not much. Regards. Tommo

Live albums are excellent additions to any collection and truly good bands must be good live performers; at least for me! Not to mention the opportunity to enjoy different versions of the studio material. This is a very good live album including both the heavy and "more synthesizers oriented" phases of the band (with Anneke). Essential to all like me that prefer the heavier phase, since the cd includes several classics as "On most surfaces", "Strange machines", Nightime birds" and "Sand & Mercury". Perhaps the sound quality isn't that perfect, but surely the musicians are in good form and the voice of Anneke. no comments! Even the other tracks are pleasant. This cd is one of the last chances to hear the heavy metal side of this excellent band, since last albums are almost totally ethereal and outer space trips.***3/4stars

This is a live album recorded from two different concerts that were played in the Netherlands in 1999. The sound is so incredible that you wouldn't know this was live except for the cheers from the crowd. It's amazing that Anneke sounds just as good live as they do on the studio recordings.

"The Big Sleep" is a mellow song that sounds so good. The drums pound steadily as Anneke's lush vocals carry us away to dreamland. "On Most Surfaces (inult)" is one of my favourite studio tracks of theirs. Check out the freakin' bass ! Good head banging music as Anneke sets free her beautiful vocals, and they do soar ! Some good guitar after 4 minutes. "Probably Built In The Fifties" opens with these industrial sounding drums.The song gets better as it plays out. Some good riffs that get heavier after 5 minutes with vocal melodies.

"Liberty Bell' is another favourite of mine. Love the intro. The drumming, bass and vocals are fantastic throughout. Great uptempo rocker ! "Marooned" is an atmospheric song with some electronics. "Rescue Me" really kicks in after 3 minutes as theremin comes in to space us out. Some ripping guitar follows. "Strange Machines" has a really good guitar intro with outstanding vocals. "Nighttime Birds" opens with percussion followed by a good guitar melody. I like the line "Beautiful nighttime birds". The guitar and vocals are beautiful as well. "My Electricity" is an atmospheric song that is dominated by drums and vocals. "Sand And Mercury" is another incredible tune and it used to be the name of their web-site as well.

I can't recommend this record enough. If you haven't heard their music before this would be the perfect place to start. 4.5 stars.

After 3 defining studio albums with Anneke Van Giersbergen as lead vocalist, the Gathering released this stunning live album that managed to capture all live energy and strength of this band.

A first point to be noted is it the amazing sound. It's equally clear as the studio albums but it adds that small but important rough edge that makes each of the songs even more overwhelming then their studio counterparts. Especially the goose bumps stirring vocals by Anneke Van Giersbergen are fantastic. On Most Surfaces here is one of her highest glories ever. She easily surpasses her own performances of the studio albums.

Also the other members run the extra mile. They may not be the most proficient musicians around but the rhythm section especially works as a tight unit here. The drums, bass and rhythm guitars soar through the material and reveal their focus and dedication. Frank Boeijen's confidence with his battery of synths has clearly grown since Mandylion and Nighttime Birds. Don't expect any improvisations or even changes though, all songs stick closely to the originals. But as pointed out before, they benefit from the intensive performances.

Coming from a live-album sceptic like myself, a 4 star recommendation shouldn't be taken lightly. This is a stunning album that brings out the best out of each member and that pours with live adrenaline.

Following on from their success last year with their fifth studio album 'How To Measure A Planet?', Holland's theGathering have returned with a live album which was recorded at two gigs on the tour last year.

This is a band with a lot of ideas, and many different musical traits, but they are let down throughout this album with some pretty poor production. If the idea is to generate the idea of how the sound may come across at times in a live gig then they have succeeded, but the listener wants some clarity to the instruments and the vocals. "Marooned" starts life as a number by Everything But The Girl while "Probably Built In The Fifties" comes across as if the band are attempting to be Hawkwind with a female singer.

An album which is most definitely spoilt by the poor sound. A shame.

Originally appeared in Feedback #57

Like our fellow reviewer Bonnek, I'm not much of a fan of live albums. Check out his fine review of Superheat on this site, by the way. For me, the primary benefit of a live concert is the way the band interacts with the audience. Otherwise, I'd rather listen to the studio album. This live album goes a long way towards overcoming my bias.

Anneke Van Giersbergen is a terrific live performer, beyond her obvious singing skills. Check out their other concerts on Youtube, or better yet buy a DVD. The enthusiasm she brings to "On Most Surfaces" here is particularly outstanding. THE GATHERING just seem energized in these concerts from their homeland. As other reviewers have mentioned, the rhythm section of Hugo and Hans drives the music to new heights. The band sounds like they drank a bunch of Red Bull before they went on stage. I hope they make a habit out of it!