The Gathering

The Gathering is a Dutch alternative rock band founded in 1989. The Gathering earliest releases were categorized as atmospheric death/doom metal, inspired by such underground acts like Celtic Frost and Hellhammer. The addition of vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen (opens in a new tab) in 1994 marked an evolution in The Gathering's musical style, with the group acknowledging the growing influence of shoegaze, post rock, experimental rock and the more ethereal sounds of 4AD label bands, such as Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, as well as Pink Floyd and Massive Attack; they expanded their sound, which acquired characteristics of progressive, alternative, and trip rock and gained success and recognition beyond the European borders. The group continue to expand upon the experimental nature of their music.
In August 2007 Anneke van Giersbergen left the group to focus on her solo project Agua de Annique (opens in a new tab). On 12 March 2009, The Gathering announced that their replacement vocalist was Silje Wergeland (ex-Octavia Sperati (opens in a new tab)).
The Gathering celebrated their 25th birthday with two sold-out reunion concerts at Doornroosje in Nijmegen on 9 November 2014. It was the first time that four of their singers (Bart Smits, Marike Groot, Anneke van Giersbergen and Silje Wergeland) performed together, and the band's first performance with van Giersbergen since her departure in 2007.
On 28 December 2025, vocalist Silje Wergeland announced her departure from the band after 16 years "to move on to new ventures." There was no indication if van Giersbergen's temporary return influenced her decision.
Besides the discography of The Gathering there are some notable collaborations and side projects:
In 2005, The Gathering provided the music for the educational project Passengers In Time: The Musical History (opens in a new tab) by professor Wim Kratsborn although the band did not consider it to be an official release of theirs. Four groupmembers also contributed to the release of Drive By Wire.