THE GENTLE STORM – The Diary [Special Edition] (2015)

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The Dutch pair of renowned composer / multi-instrumentalist Arjen Lucassen and vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen have worked together several times over the last fifteen years, but now both are fully involved into a fantastic project called THE GENTLE STORM, and “The Diary” is the fruit of their accomplished talents.

As you might expect from a Lucassen project, the album is conceptual and the music, grand and immense.
“The Diary” is a love story set in the 17th century, with Arjen Lucassen composing, arranging and playing the music while the story / lyrics all coming from Anneke Van Giersbergen – former Gathering vocalist and last seen on Devin Townsend’s excellent ‘Z2’ album.
But you can enjoy the tracks separately, as despite part of the tale, all are build as a ‘song’ around the 5 minute length.

“The Diary” is also split into 2 CD’s, where the ‘Gentle’ disc which sees all the songs done using primarily orchestral instruments, including a real double bass, piano, acoustic guitar and more.
Disc 2 is ‘Storm’, which are the same songs produced in a style much more akin to the most recent Ayreon record in tone: electric instruments, progressive, occasionally cresting into metal, all with different arrangements. Additionally, long term Ayreon drummer Ed Warby is involved, however even the symphonic rock / metal takes a different musical style than Ayreon / Star One albums.

Both versions are truly enjoyable, with ‘Gentle’ more recommended to traditional prog listeners, while the bombastic “Storm” to more ‘rocking’ aficionados.
Overall, ‘Gentle Disc’ has the ability to lift both the melodies and Van Geirsbergen’s voice, while ‘Storm’ showcase Lucassen’s genius on the instruments.
Highlights are many, although the ‘Storm’ version of “Heart Of Amsterdam” is simply superb and would be a hit single if there was any justice in the musical world.
Elsewhere the traditional feel of “Shores Of India” and the gentle version of “Endless Sea” are stand outs in this very strong album.

Lucassen / Van Geirsbergen association in “The Gentle Storm” resulted in a great success.
The combination of Anneke’s terrific vocals ranging from rock&pop / metal to a progressive diva with Arjen’s capacity to create always interesting, captivating arrangements, work like a charm in “The Diary”.
With these two you know it will be worth your while having in your collection. A different musical diversion for both of them and the good news is a second album is promised.
You must listen both CD’s, “Gentle” & “Storm”, because both are completely different records, both embedded with Arjen Lucassen ubiquitous talents.
Highly Recommended.

CD1 – Gentle:
01 Endless Sea (gentle version)
02 Heart of Amsterdam (gentle version)
03 The Greatest Love (gentle version)
04 Shores of India (gentle version)
05 Cape of Storms (gentle version)
06 The Moment (gentle version)
07 The Storm (gentle version)
08 Eyes of Michiel (gentle version)
09 Brightest Light (gentle version)
10 New Horizons (gentle version)
11 Epilogue: The Final Entry (gentle version)

CD2 – Storm:
01 Endless Sea (storm version)
02 Heart of Amsterdam (storm version)
03 The Greatest Love (storm version)
04 Shores of India (storm version)
05 Cape of Storms (storm version)
06 The Moment (storm version)
07 The Storm (storm version)
08 Eyes of Michiel (storm version)
09 Brightest Light (storm version)
10 New Horizons (storm version)
11 Epilogue: The Final Entry (storm version)

Anneke van Giersbergen – lead vocals
Arjen Anthony Lucassen – guitars, keyboards, percussion, vocals, hammered dulcimer
additional musicians:
Ed Warby (Ayreon) – drums
Johan van Stratum (Stream of Passion) – bass
Hinse Mutter – double bass
Rob Snijders (Agua de Annique) – percussion
Joost van den Broek (Star One) – piano
Marcela Bovio (Stream of Passion) – background vocals
Timo Somers (Delain, Vengeance) – guitar solo on 2
Ben Mathot – violin
Maaike Peterse – cello
Jenneke de Jonge – French horn
Jeroen Goossens – wind instruments
Jack Pisters – sitar and coral
Michael Mills – Irish bouzouki
Remco Helbers – surbahar
Nathanael van Zuilen – tabla
“Epic Rock Choir” – choir

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