SUPERHEAT (LIVE ALBUM)

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