A NOISE SEVERE

This was the last live album that THE GATHERING released featuring vocalist extraordinare Anneke Van Giersbergen. My favourite female vocalist. She really is outstanding on this double live album recorded in Santiago, Chile in 2007. I mean she hits all the notes and sounds so strong, yet at other times she sings so beautiful that it's heartbreaking. I have to comment on the crowd here who is beyond enthusiastic.These people are so into this concert that i'm sure it inspired the band. This has also been released on DVD but I don't own it as yet.

Some highlights for me are first of all the opening track "Shortest Day" where we hear how pumped the crowd is. I like how this track builds and of course Anneke's vocals. "Liberty Bell" rocks ! Check out the intro then you just hang on as they let it rip. "Even The Spirits Are Afraid" has such a good beat and cool sounding vocals. Amazing sound 2 minutes in. "Saturine" is emotional when you here Anneke come in with power after 2 1/2 minutes.The crowd is very active in this one. "Leaves" has an incredible vocal display on it. Intense track until it settles beautifully 3 minutes in then kicks back in. "Waking Hour" is so moving when it kicks into gear at a minute. Love the contrasts on this one too.The vocals are gorgeous during the mellow sections. "On Most Surfaces" is one of my favourite tracks from them and they nail this one. Killer track ! "Strange Machines" kicks ass too with the raw guitar and powerful sound. The encore tracks are "Black Light Syndrome" and "Travel".The first one is such a proggy track and it clocks in at around 16 minutes. Just a trip. The latter has some good contrasts and a powerful undercurrent throughout.

This band could sure put on a show and Anneke is front and center of this one. Easily 4 stars.