The first release from the Gathering is much different to their later, more commercial works as a gothic rock band, more firmly entrenched in the style of doom metal carved by Paradise Lost, whose album 'Gothic' clearly forms the bulk of the influence here. The Gathering still impress with haunting atmosphere and unusual instrument choices, but overall the album is a little dull and lacking in dynamic elements. The stand-out feature is the alternation of male and female vocals, something that was inventive in metal at the time but has now become common. The duet reaches its peak in the enjoyable finale 'Gaya's Dream,' but is otherwise a turn-taking process ...  Read the complete review