The Gathering - Downfall / Early Days (Triple 12" Vinyl)

*Downfall – The Early Years* by The Gathering is a three-LP compilation album offering an overview of the band's formative days. Released in 2001, the album collects the band's early demos, rehearsal recordings, and a previously unreleased single, providing a raw, unpolished glimpse into their early sound as pioneers of the doom-death metal genre. The atmosphere is heavy and melancholic, featuring signature growls, atmospheric keyboard parts, and extended instrumental passages—a style described at the time as "Efteling Metal." The music highlights the band's experimental spirit, where melody and dark atmospheres go hand in hand. This release documents The Gathering's transition from their initial, rough recording years to a band with a distinctive style and influence in the early 1990s. Featuring recordings from the era when Bart Smits was the vocalist, the album reflects their creative journey and the evolution of their sound. The inclusion of live recordings and rare studio material underscores the compilation's historical value for fans of early doom and gothic metal.