THE GENTLE STORM, the collaboration between AYREON mastermind Arjen Lucassen and former THE GATHERING singer Anneke Van Giersbergen, have signed with leading progressive rock/metal label InsideOut Music.
The band’s debut is due in early 2015, and an epic concept double album” and “a combination of classical meets metal and acoustic folk,” according to Lucassen. Arjen comments: “We are thrilled to be able to strengthen our relationship with InsideOut Music as THE GENTLE STORM’s label.”
Anneke adds: “We’re in the middle of recording these amazing new songs and are very excited the label shows an equal amount of faith in this release. We can’t wait for people to hear it and are happy this superb team will help us spread the word.”
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.