The Gathering — Ifthenelse 2000 Eacflac

If you see this album labeled as you are looking at a release prepared for the "audiophile standard."

Upon its release, the album was met with widespread critical acclaim. Chronicles of Chaos gave it an outstanding 9.5/10, calling it "an interesting ride of sonic bliss and stunning vocal arrangements," praising Anneke van Giersbergen's vocals as "radiant." Rock Hard magazine awarded it an 8.5/10, and it has been lauded by fans as a career highlight where "everything clicks."

Despite being released over two decades ago, if_then_else remains a timeless album because it focuses on emotion over gimmickry. It represents a band confident in their artistic direction, moving beyond genre constraints to create something truly atmospheric and personal. It is the perfect bridge between their metal past and their experimental future, making it a cornerstone of 2000s atmospheric rock. the gathering ifthenelse 2000 eacflac

The concept behind the album explores the frantic pace of modern life, technology, and the overwhelming desire to hit the brakes—a theme aptly reflected in its binary programming title. Key Track Highlights:

Mixed and mastered on Pro Tools by legendary engineer Attie Bauw at Bauwhaus Studio in Amsterdam. If you see this album labeled as you

This specific release marked the ultimate synthesis of the band's transition from doom metal into a rich tapestry of trip-hop, alternative rock, and progressive experimentation.

: Perhaps the album's most enduring "deep piece," this track showcases Anneke van Giersbergen's vocal range, capturing a haunting sense of stillness amidst the record's otherwise kinetic energy. Technical Fidelity: The EAC/FLAC Connection It is the perfect bridge between their metal

Swirling psychedelic rock layers and stereo panning effects. Intricate percussion and warm acoustic spaces. Saturnine

Released on July 3, 2000, if_then_else (stylized in lowercase) is the sixth studio album by the Dutch rock band The Gathering. It marks a definitive turning point in their career, solidifying their shift away from the atmospheric gothic metal of earlier albums like Mandylion (1995) and Nighttime Birds (1997) toward a more progressive, experimental, and trip-hop-influenced rock sound.

Today, streaming dominates. But streaming services serve lossy (AAC, Ogg, or MP3) or at best "CD quality" (16-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC) on platforms like Tidal or Qobuz. However, they don't include the liner notes, the artwork scans, or the reassurance of an AccurateRip checksum.

This was a major festival appearance, and the band delivered a powerful setlist that drew heavily from if_then_else while also featuring older fan favorites. The recorded setlist from that night provides a perfect snapshot of the era: