{"product_id":"2256159","title":"The Gathering - Always... [CD]","description":"Brand New From Reputable UK Company With 30 Years Experience In Retail, Please Note Not All Our New Items Are Shrink Wrapped.\u003cbr\u003eAll items shipped within 3 working days of payment.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that all our DVDs are Region 2.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that not all audio CDs are shrink-wrapped fom the factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eReleased on June 9th 1992, \u003ci\u003eAlways\u003c\/i\u003e by The Gathering is one of the rare albums in metal that turned out to be a game-changer. On the debut album, the young Dutch band blended doom and death metal with prominent keyboard parts. It featured female vocals in an era when the metal scene was still a male-dominated environment. The album showcased how heavy sounds could be enriched by diverse musical influences.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConsequently, \u003ci\u003eAlways...\u003c\/i\u003e laid the foundation for subgenres like gothic metal, often referred to as female-fronted metal or what is now recognized as progressive metal - a term commonly used today. The Gathering were true pioneers, opening doors not only for themselves but also for other Dutch bands such as Within Temptation, After Forever, Epica, Kingfisher Sky, Nemesea, and Delain. In retrospect, their influence extended globally, inspiring acts like the predominantly Norwegian Nightwish, the American Evanescence, and the Italian Lacuna Coil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbove all, The Gathering's debut album is a unique masterpiece, characterized by well-constructed songs and clever arrangements. Upon its release, the album received rave reviews, leading to global commercial success. \u003ci\u003eAlways...\u003c\/i\u003e firmly established The Gathering as the leading band in the flourishing Dutch metal scene of the early '90s. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a remarkable journey, touring alongside Paradise Lost, performing for a massive crowd of 8,000 while opening for Faith No More, and receiving invitations to perform in Israel. All these achievements were realized by a group of mostly teenagers who still lived with their parents and were expected to attend school every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Mirror Waters\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSubzero\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Sickness And Health\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKing For A Day\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecond Sunrise\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStonegarden\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlways... (extended)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGaya's Dream\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chalkys.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54420734345601,"sku":"2256159","price":14.48,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0056\/8043\/1219\/files\/9508523915692.jpg?v=1750620662","url":"https:\/\/chalkys.com\/products\/2256159","provider":"Chalkys.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}