The Gathering Are Anti-MP3

Dutch rockers The Gathering have expressed concern over the fact that many people are recording the band's new material at recent gigs in their home country. Apparently, a few new tracks have surfaced on trader lists and on the Internet as MP3's. The band is obviously upset about the matter and feel that bootlegging new material could further hamper their already hostile relationship with Century Media.

Here's a news post from The Gathering's website:

"Spreading these songs around in any form, on the web or on tapes/videos can - and probably will - harm the band (but also you) greatly! Since these songs have not even been finished, and therefore haven't been registered either, it can cause serious legal problems with Century Media for the band, but also for you This goes for the ones that made the illegal recordings, but also for you - 'legal' fans. Just imagine it, the band getting in serious problems, and not being able to release their new album. Would you want to have that on your conscience?"

In similar news, The Gathering have formed their own label Psychonaut Records, which looks to be setting the stage for future recordings and possibly other signings. The band is currently writing the follow-up for If_Then_Else and claim to have five or six new songs ready. The songs are described as "Very dark and gloomy; sometimes moody, atmospherical, but way more groovier; sometimes heavier."

Although, it's entirely too early to tell when The Gathering's next full-length will be recorded, the band is so far shooting for a late summer/early autumn 2002 release.

Source: Digital Metal