THE GATHERING – MONSTERS
Psychonaut Records - 2003
By Rodrigo Escandon
The Gathering have come out with an EP featuring five different versions of “Monsters”, whose original version is found in the excellent
Souvenirs that was released earlier this year. The first version is the Radio Edit Mix and this version is shorter than the original and it features more electronics and it is not as heavy with the guitars. “Monsters (Gallion Mix)” is a more stripped down version with a Middle Eastern vibe and more drumbeats. The Gauzy Mix is a more up-beat version that is characterized by its constant drumbeat pattern during the verses and it slower and ambient chorus which is a tad too repetitive for my taste. Next is “Monsters Go Deep! (Dance Mix)” and as the title of the mix implies this version has a more danceable beat that picks up the pace as the song progresses but I was a little disappointed with the fact that the pace was not faster and that the pace was slowed again during the chorus. Finally, the last version is Promo Demo Mix and it is definitely the closest to the original version with just a few minor changes.
The other great thing that is featured in this EP and may make this an essential buy for
The Gathering fans are two videos featuring live footage from their last tour. The first video is from a German show called “Rockshow” that features an extended version of “Monsters” as well as with a so-so interview with Anneke, to me it felt that the interviewer was just totally intimidated and nervous of speaking to her but nevertheless it was still great to hear Anneke’s opinions about the band’s musical progression. The second video features 3 live songs, the regular version of “Monsters”, “You Learn About It” that features Kristin Fjellseth from
Pale Forest performing a duet with Anneke and the one gem: a shorter and different live version of the epic “Black Light District”.
For someone like myself that hasn’t seen
The Gathering live it is such a treat to be able to see some live footage and to me makes this release worth it. The different mixes of “Monsters” may not be all that great but this is just another step of a band evolving.
Psychonaut Records Website
The Gathering Official Website
