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Formed in October 1989 by drummer Hans and Rene Rutten and vocalist Bart Smits, Holland's The Gathering
began their career as a Celtic Frost / Hellhammer-inspired primitive
death metal act before adding guitarist Jelmer Wiersma, bassist Hugo
Prinsen Geerligs and keyboardist Frank Boeijen and changing their
direction towards a more experimental, "atmospheric" approach. After
issuing their first demo recording, Moonlight Archer, in 1990, the
group landed several gigs with Morbid Angel and Death in their home
country, in the process establishing a loyal fan-base and eventually
attracting the interest of small Dutch indie label Foundation 2000,
who signed the band in late 1991.
Issued in June 1992, The Gathering's
debut album, Always..., became a great success on the European
continent, where it went on to shift nearly 20,000 units over the
next couple of years. Sadly, it would also be the last record to
feature the aforementioned line-up, as musical differences led to
the departure of Smits and addition of two vocalists, Niels Duffhues
and Martine van Loon, who joined the group halfway through the
pre-production for the band's second album.
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THE GATHERING (selective) discography:
1. An Imaginary Symphony rehearsal demo 1990
2. Moonlight Archerer demo 1990
3. Unreleased e.p. 1990
4. Always, full length, Foundation 2000, 1991
5. 6 track pre production recording, 1991
6. Almost a Dance, full length 1993.
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line up (1989 –
1992)
Frank Boeijen - Keyboards, programming
Hans Rutten - Drums, percussion
René Rutten - Guitars
Jelmer Wiersma - Guitars
Bart Smits - Vocals
Hugo Prinsen Geerlings– Bass.
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