{"product_id":"always-3","title":"Always...","description":"\u003cp\u003eReleased on June 9th, 1992, \u003cem\u003eAlways\u003c\/em\u003e by \u003cstrong\u003eThe Gathering\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the rare albums in metal that turned out to be a game-changer. On the debut album, the young Dutch band blended doom and death metal with prominent keyboard parts. It featured female vocals in an era when the metal scene was still a male-dominated environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe album showcased how heavy sounds could be enriched by diverse musical influences. Consequently, \u003cem\u003eAlways\u003c\/em\u003e laid the foundation for subgenres like gothic metal, often referred to as female-fronted metal or what is now recognized as progressive metal - a term commonly used today. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Gathering\u003c\/strong\u003e were true pioneers, opening doors not only for themselves but also for other Dutch bands such as Within Temptation, After Forever, Epica, Kingfisher Sky, Nemesea, and Delain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn retrospect, their influence extended globally, inspiring acts like the predominantly Norwegian Nightwish, the American Evanescence, and the Italian Lacuna Coil. Above all, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Gathering\u003c\/strong\u003e's debut album is a unique masterpiece, characterized by well-constructed songs and clever arrangements. Upon its release, the album received rave reviews, leading to global commercial success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAlways\u003c\/em\u003e firmly established \u003cstrong\u003eThe Gathering\u003c\/strong\u003e as the leading band in the flourishing Dutch metal scene of the early '90s. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a remarkable journey, touring alongside Paradise Lost, performing for a massive crowd of 8,000 while opening for Faith No More, and receiving invitations to perform in Israel. All these achievements were realized by a group of mostly teenagers who still lived with their parents and were expected to attend school every day.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Burning World Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LPx4","offer_id":50412721111371,"sku":"2188498","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50412716753227,"sku":"2188495","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50412716065099,"sku":"2188494","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/d65a99a1-9c93-405f-98d3-1aadc91d5576_1_3b382eb4_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726668391","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/de\/products\/always-3","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}