Mandylion by Gathering

Mandylion

Available from Amazon
Usually ships within 1-2 business days

Mandylion

Reader Reviews
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.

Back To Top