Always (Always - The Gathering)

Member Name: Frankingsteins

Product:	Always - The Gathering
Date:	10/07/08 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interesting use of obscure instruments, effective gothic atmosphere.

Disadvantages: Seems amateurish by comparison to later works in the genre.

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 that won't hold anything of real interest to newcomers this far down the line. The guitar tone is distinctive and the keyboards used well without dominating (except for the melody that opens 'Subzero'), but this is far from a gothic classic.

1. The Mirror Waters
2. Subzero
3. In Sickness and Health
4. King for a Day
5. Second Sunrise
6. Stonegarden
7. Always...
8. Gaya's Dream

Summary: The Gathering's first album (1992).