The Summary Judgment Review:
Title: Monsters EP
Artist: The Gathering
Label: The End / Psychonaut Records
Release Date: 11/3/03

Rating: 5 Skulls
  • Read the Review of Sleepy Buildings
  • Read the Review of the 2004 Tour
  • Read the Review of Souvenirs
  • Read the Reviews of if_then_else
  • Read the Review of Mandylion
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    • Reviewed by Ember (7/2/04):
    I love when a band takes a song and releases multiple versions of it all on one disc because you get to hear the song in a completely different light. In this case the band is The Gathering and the song is "Monsters." The E.P. has five different versions of the song, plus it also has a CD-ROM bonus disc. The CD-ROM includes "Monsters" live at Hirsch, Nurnberg with a video interview with Anneke. It also includes another live version of "Monsters," "You Learn About It" and a very long, but awesome version of "Black Light District" from Markthalle, Hamburg.

    The actual E.P. is just as amazing. The first version of "Monsters" is the "Radio Edit Mix," which is basically the same as the version on Souvenirs, except that it is a little bit shorter. Next, you have the "Gallion Mix," and to best describe it I would have to say that it is trip-rock meets ghetto fabulous (hip-hop) meets the Middle East. I think that it has to be one of my favorite versions that I have heard so far. Third, you have the "Gauzy Mix" and this one has an 1980's era meets modern industrial sound to it. It may sound like a strange combination, but it brings a completely different and almost more appropriate atmosphere to the song. Fourth, there is the "Dance Mix" and the name is true to its sound because it is the perfect club version of this song. There is just no other way to put it. Last, there is the "Promo Demo Mix" and this version is my other favorite because it stays true to its original form, but has a few extra layers that add to the depth of song. It almost reminds me of what it would sound like if this track was on If_Then_Else.

    In my opinion, this whole E.P. is worth the purchase because even though it is the same song each version is very different and very interesting. If you have never heard them this is not necessarily the best to start off with, but it is still a good album to own. If you love The Gathering you need to have it because it will be a necessary part of your collection.
    5 out of 5

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