MANDYLION

This is a beautiful piece of work. The spacey keyboards, heavy riffs, and of the amazing vocals of Anneke (sigh) create a beautiful atmosphere that has made this one of THE GATHERING's best records.This is the first album that Anneke sang on after joining the band. There's something about the way this one was recorded that really makes it sound atmospheric. "Mandylion" refers to the" Image not made by the hand of man : it has been obtained by the direct impression of the Christ's face on the fabric".

The first song "Strange Machines" has samples on it taken from the film "The Time Machine". The idea of this song as well was taken from the novel of the same name by H.G.Wells.This one of my favs on this record. It opens with grinding guitars and riffs as drums then vocals comes in. Some heaviness 2 minutes in, followed by spacey synths as riffs continue.The guitar from the intro is back before 5 minutes. Nice. Synths and riffs end it. "Eleanor" is another heavy atmospheric song with some nice bass. We get some outbursts of thunderous drumming as well.

"In Motion #1" is all about Anneke's vocals really. Another highlight is the guitar before 4 1/2 minutes that goes on and on. "Leaves" opens with some cool atmosphere followed by vocals and slow riffs. I also really like "Fear The Sea" with it's powerful riffs and nice spacey synths. I also like the guitar around the 3 minute mark, they get crunchy after 5 minutes. "Mandylion" is quite different from the other songs. The drumming is light, and the heavy riffs are absent. The flutes help to create a beautiful atmosphere. No lyrics but there are some vocal melodies and lots of synths. Another highlight is "Sand And Mercury" it's all instrumental for about 6 minutes, it has just about everything in it. "In Motion #2" opens with vocals right away. This is mid-paced with a heavy undercurrent. Synths after 2 minutes.

Highly recommended to those into the heavier side of music.