Mandylion

Mandylion

Track Listings

1. Strange Machines

2. Eleanor

3. In Motion #1

4. Leaves

5. Fear the Sea

6. Mandylion

7. Sand and Mercury

8. In Motion #2

Tracks:

Strange Machines
Eleanor
In Motion #1
Leaves
Fear the Sea
Mandylion
Sand & Mercury
In Motion #2

Tracks:

In Motion #1*
Mandylion*
Solar Glider (Instrumental)*
Eleanor**
In Motion #2**
Third Chance**
Fear the Sea**

Customer Reviews:

This blood in my body runs for you.......2007-04-03

The Gathering is, on all accounts, a highly influential band. So I have no regret in saying Mandylion, after 12 years, has stood the test of time and still floors me everytime I hear it, hence making it (at least in my book) a classic. Every CD they release is guaranteed to be drastically different from the previous and just as powerful. Even with their latest offering, 2006's Home, you look back at Mandylion or Nighttime Birds and just wonder how a band can stay so amazing and so prominent after so long.

Mandylion is the first Gathering release featuring Anneke van Giersbergen. Her vocals were perfected in later releases but the raw, almost primal feel she gives off at times on here matches the heavy yet always experimental music the rest of the band has to offer.

On a side note, I would buy anything with Anneke's name on it, she's just that good, but the band alone is worth the price of admission. Yes, when The Gathering is heavy they're great but it's on songs like In Motion #1, Leaves, and Mandylion that they really show what they can do. So for me to say that a band alone is worth buying a CD, I dunno, it just doesn't happen that often so I figure it means something.

Song selection is spot on throughout. Strange Machines starts off with a bang that doesn't let up until the final notes are played. Eleanor follows in about the same vein as Strange Machines what with the heaviness, however the drums really catch your ear when you listen to them. In Motion #1 shows the group's more experimental side off well, seeing the entire band really play off of each other. Leaves is owned by Anneke even though the guitar riffs often sport an epic feel. Fear The Sea sees Anneke pull off some nifty vocals but it's the one song that doesn't really fit with the overall outcome. Make no mistake, it's a great song and serves The Gathering catalog justice but maybe it would've fit better on Nighttime Birds? Mandylion is the most experimental track included. From the very beginning you know it's gonna be an interesting listen and it fulfills that notion completely. Sand & Mercury starts off as a somber song but gains momentum to rival even the greatest tracks offered on the CD. And finally, rounding out the CD we are greeted with my personal favorite, In Motion #2. It basically takes the best aspects of the entire disc and combines them. You've got Anneke sounding perfect (you know, the norm), the band moves from light to heavy, and there's even some strings worked in the mix.

As for the bonus disc, highly recommended. If there's one thing I've learned from hearing The Gathering over the years (and especially after hearing 2005's Accessories: Rarities & B-Sides) it's to expect the demos to have as much, if not more, passion than the original. Make no mistake, the originals usually shine brighter than the demos but hearing the rough versions makes you appreciate the final product that much more. Special mention goes to Solar Glider...amazing.

My favorite songs are Strange Machines, In Motion #1 & 2, Leaves, and Sand & Mercury. For Anneke making such a strong vocal debut with the band on Mandylion it's hard to believe she only gets better with each passing CD. However, Mandylion is a fine start for any newcomer and without a doubt is sure to go down as a classic by any means.

...wow...........2006-11-07

this album is a treasure. listen to it and you'll feel like you've fallen into a beautiful dream. theres not much else to say because its all been said, but if you love good music then you owe it to yourself to pick this up.

Average customer rating:

One hundred worlds will see me passing by
wow!
WOW
Unappreciated
Their best by far!!

Mandylion
The Gathering
Manufacturer: Century Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Nighttime Birds
Souvenirs
How to Measure a Planet?
If_Then_Else
Sleepy Buildings - A Semi Acoustic Evening

ASIN: B000005HMC
Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

Strange Machine
Eleanor
In Motion # 1
Leaves
Fear the Sea
Mandylion
Sand and Mercury
In Motion # 2

Album Description

Though it has since been eclipsed by increasingly superb efforts, the Gathering's Mandylion was considered a ground-breaking achievement upon its release in 1995. 8 tracks. Century Media. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

One hundred worlds will see me passing by.......2007-04-03

The Gathering is, on all accounts, a highly influential band. So I have no regret in saying Mandylion, after 12 years, has stood the test of time and still floors me everytime I hear it, hence making it (at least in my book) a classic. Every CD they release is guaranteed to be drastically different from the previous and just as powerful. Even with their latest offering, 2006's Home, you look back at Mandylion or Nighttime Birds and just wonder how a band can stay so amazing and so prominent after so long.

Mandylion is the first Gathering release featuring Anneke van Giersbergen. Her vocals were perfected in later releases but the raw, almost primal feel she gives off at times on here matches the heavy yet always experimental music the rest of the band has to offer.

On a side note, I would buy anything with Anneke's name on it, she's just that good, but the band alone is worth the price of admission. Yes, when The Gathering is heavy they're great but it's on songs like In Motion #1, Leaves, and Mandylion that they really show what they can do. So for me to say that a band alone is worth buying a CD, I dunno, it just doesn't happen that often so I figure it means something.

Song selection is spot on throughout. Strange Machines starts off with a bang that doesn't let up until the final notes are played. Eleanor follows in about the same vein as Strange Machines what with the heaviness, however the drums really catch your ear when you listen to them. In Motion #1 shows the group's more experimental side off well, seeing the entire band really play off of each other. Leaves is owned by Anneke even though the guitar riffs often sport an epic feel. Fear The Sea sees Anneke pull off some nifty vocals but it's the one song that doesn't really fit with the overall outcome. Make no mistake, it's a great song and serves The Gathering catalog justice but maybe it would've fit better on Nighttime Birds? Mandylion is the most experimental track included. From the very beginning you know it's gonna be an interesting listen and it fulfills that notion completely. Sand & Mercury starts off as a somber song but gains momentum to rival even the greatest tracks offered on the CD. And finally, rounding out the CD we are greeted with my personal favorite, In Motion #2. It basically takes the best aspects of the entire disc and combines them. You've got Anneke sounding perfect (you know, the norm), the band moves from light to heavy, and there's even some strings worked in the mix.

My favorite songs are Strange Machines, In Motion #1 & 2, Leaves, and Sand & Mercury. For Anneke making such a strong vocal debut with the band on Mandylion it's hard to believe she only gets better with each passing CD. However, Mandylion is a fine start for any newcomer and without a doubt is sure to go down as a classic by any means.

wow!.......2006-06-26

i absolutely love the gathering. everything they do is incredible but mandylion takes the cake. the whole album just floors me! you must get this album. it is a masterpiece. i cant even put in words. it seriously gives me cold chills.

WOW.......2006-04-15

Beginning their life as a 'primitive, Celtic Frost inspired, death metal band' according to their bio, The Gathering have come a long way since their inception in 1989. Continuing with the new direction of softer, more melodic metal that began with 1993's _Almost a Dance_, The Gathering have made a major leap forward with regards to their music on _Mandylion_, their latest offering to the gods. This album is the first that features the sole vocal abilities of Anneke van Giersbergen. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this woman has the hands down best voice that I've ever heard in a metal band. The difference that sets Anneke out from the rest of the femme vox currently singing with some outfits is the fact that she is the lead singer, her vocals dominating throughout. The music on this release is very melodic and very heavy in the same breath. Keyboards have a strong presence in The Gathering's music which makes for a great atmosphere within the songs. The tempo on this record never reaches the red-line, but then again, it wouldn't flow properly if it did. An alternative influence (!) can be heard in songs like, "Fear The Sea". Another notable mention is the title track, "Mandylion", which is an instrumental song featuring tribal beats with trippy flute parts. Definitely not something for the heaviest of heavy metal fans, but if you like to experiment, and especially if femme vox do for you what they do for me, this is the album for you. -Gino Filicetti

Unappreciated.......2006-01-02

I can't begin to imagine the head-aches that The Gathering fans get when they read half of these reviews. It's pretty bad when the vocalists get compared instead of the musicians. Well, I don't see this Evanescence female and the back up band in the same league as The Gathering, or if we must, Cristina Scabbia (since Amy Lee and Cristina Scabbia seem to be made rivals through the media and fans) for that matter. Nothing is worse than referencing some processed,vampire movie sound track material in the same area as the works of Mandylion. I do know that the people are right when they say that this recording cannot be tainted with moronic stereo-typing. The Gathering offer more to any ear that is opened. Some people don't like to hear variation in tempo when it comes to song listening. They also don't like songs longer than three minutes. They absolutely can't stand when they actually can't sing along with the vocalist, or sing the vocalists part, which is an alternative to instrumentaly playing the song as a cover, to some people that is. Some people don't like synths which are used a little better and properly.
Now with the comparisons to Lacuna Coil, (I shouldn't and wouldn't if this were not such a big hobby to glue bands in one pile), I cannot hear the bass in L.C., the guitars are repetitive (and with the singles, the guitars are tuned down and the vocals turned up for ratings I suppose.) I don't see great lyrical writing either. The lyrics are usually involved in romantic themes, which Mandylion strays away from. Romantic ideals are good if used with creativity. *It's more interesting to hear about an H.G. Wells novel "Strange Machines" because it's more bold, imaginative and refreshing.
The musicianship is in all fairness and relevance,better than any of this "Goth-Metal." I wouldn't say this isn't progressive. I hear a lot of progressive elements in this cd,whether is the drumming beat, guitar style or melody. I can hear the bass too, and the bass is actually played which is usually a common thing in progressive bands. What amazes me is there are songs that are mainly instrumental but with Anneke's voice in the back ground occasionally and at the right time. The instrumentals do well with out vocals and still manage to keep the listener refraining from switching the track.
Now regarding the vocals, Anneke must of had serious vocal training because she is amazing. She has vocal range. I don't know of many females in genres that may fall in this similar category that can sing this well. She has a talented soprano voice (not sounding like, but as good as (or better than )Liv Kristine Espenaes K. from early Theatre of Tragedy to recent Leaves' Eyes..(A better band reference.)
Her voice is a perfect match for the music. Her voice and the instruments work in harmony and don't over-power one another.
Regarding this Amy Lee character, it doesn't take but one listen to realise the monotony and blandness in radio-based music. I hear it in shopping stores unwillingly and it it makes me glad that the songs are so short. It suites the weak and pleased-easily listeners who want nothing more than a little entertainment. Unfortunately, this female fronted metal will grow larger (and watered down) while the women vocalists get physically and vocally compared. The musicians,music composers, and lyric writers will remain in the shadows.

Their best by far!!.......2005-11-30

This cd is when The Gathering were considered to be a heavy metal type band and it is bar far, their best work. The songs flow along nicely with long drawn out power chords that move walls and Anneke beautiful voice and vocal delivery/style really makes it all come together in a wonderful mix of power and passion. All of the songs are first rate especially the first 4 or 5 as they really shine in terms of how it all comes together. This is a very good choice for those of you who like heavy melodic rock with a chick singer belting it out.

The cd's released after this one, have lost a lot of that power or shall I say heavy melodic texture that made this cd so special. The newer ones tend to plod along at times and are really somewhat boring. Anneke still sings wonderfully, but for the most part the tunes on the other releases just aren't as good as this baby!!

Buy it!!

Average customer rating:

Mandylion
The Gathering
Manufacturer: EMI/Century Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000BRBHAY
Release Date: 2006-07-17

Tracks:

Strange Machines
Elor
In Motion #1
Leaves
Fear the Sea
'Mandylion [Instrumental]
Sand & Mercury
In Motion #2

Tracks:

In Motion #1 [#][*][Demo Version]
Mandylion [#][*][Instrumental][Demo Version]
Solar Glider [#][*][Instrumental][Demo Version]
Elor [#][*][Demo Version]
In Motion #2 [#][*][Demo Version]
Third Chance [#][*][Demo Version]
Fear the Sea [#][*][Demo Version]
Leaves [CD-ROM Track][*]

Average customer rating:

Mandylion [Limited Edition Reissue]
Gathering , and The
Manufacturer: Century Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000LX4HKK

Average customer rating:

Mandylion
Gathering , and The
Manufacturer: Century Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000LWXCKM

Music Info: