The Gentle Storm

GET DOWN! How kick-ass is this going to be?

Quote :

THE GENTLE STORM, the collaboration between AYREON mastermind Arjen Lucassen and former THE GATHERING singer Anneke Van Giersbergen, will release its debut album in early 2015. The effort will be "an epic concept double album" and "a combination of classical meets metal and acoustic folk," according to Lucassen.

Lucassen and Van Giersbergen originally crossed paths in 1998 for AYREON's breakthrough third album, "Into The Electric Castle". Ten years later they teamed up again for AYREON's seventh album, "01011001", both having established themselves as world-renowned heavy metal/rock artists in the decade between releases. Although their respective musical styles went in vastly different directions during that time, Arjen and Anneke retained a common ground that ultimately led to the creation of THE GENTLE STORM.

THE GENTLE STORM's double album is an epic production of AYREON proportions, divided into two parts as a full-on metal assault (CD1) and lighter folk arrangements (CD2). It also heralds Anneke's return to the realms of heavy guitars and soaring vocals reminiscent of THE GATHERING's breakthrough album "Mandylion".

THE GENTLE STORM's album release will be followed by live dates through the spring and summer European festival season.

Known for touring extensively year after year, Anneke will take THE GENTLE STORM on the road backed by well known Dutch talents. Arjen, however, will not be part of the live production.

Sounds well worth checking out.

I've never listened to Ayreon, but I really like Anneke between her stuff with The Gathering and Devin Townsend. Definitely interesting in hearing this.

I've always liked these two together, can't wait!

This will be fantastic. How could it not be?

Never heard of Arjen, but I know about Anneke from her extensive work with Mr. Devin Townsend. She's got a gorgeous voice, very soft and soothing. Heard a little bit of her work from The Gathering, too, but not much. I'll be on the listen for it.

Yes please!

I love Annekes' voice. I'm not too sure about the rest but will definitely give it a go.

Picked up a copy of this out of curiosity. The album is broken into two discs: Gentle and Storm.

The "Gentle" disc (which I haven't heard yet) is supposed to be folk/acoustic versions of the tracks and "Storm" is supposed to be the "metal" versions. I've only heard Storm thus far and, on first blush, the "metal" parts sound out of place and clutter what could be really lovely songs.

I suspect I'll like "Gentle" more, but I'll have to give both a deeper listen before passing a solid judgment.

Listening on the tube. The Storm versions of India and Endless Sea sound over the top. The Gentle version of Endless Sea sounds REALLY nice!

Runicen, I would definitely give those Gentle versions a spin.