Whether you are a long-time fan or a curious archivist, seek out the 2000 CD, rip it yourself, or verify the logs. Guard this album. In an age of compressed streams and forgotten B-sides, if-then-else deserves nothing less than lossless fidelity.
: Compared to the sprawling experimentalism of its predecessor, How To Measure A Planet? , this release is more direct and "down to earth". It features shorter track lengths and a focused production that highlights both heavy rock elements and subtle sonic experimentations. The Gathering - if-then-else -2000- -EAC-FLAC-
Elias held the disc up to the bare bulb swinging from the rafters. It was a relic from a very specific era of the internet—the golden age of private FTP servers, IRC bots, and the obsessive pursuit of "perfect sound." His older brother, Julian, had been a "ripper," a digital archivist who believed that MP3s were trash and that music deserved to be heard exactly as the studio intended. Whether you are a long-time fan or a
if-then-else marks a turning point for The Gathering. After the ethereal, doom-laden How to Measure a Planet? (1998), they streamlined their sound: : Compared to the sprawling experimentalism of its
— A playful, jazzy, trip-hop influenced track — very un-metal. It’s about the band’s love for tea and relaxed creativity in the studio.
Key tracks:
Released in July 2000 under Century Media , "if_then_else" represents a significant evolution for The Gathering. Moving away from their gothic metal roots, the band embraced a "trip-rock" sound that blends alternative rock, trip-hop, and experimental electronics. The title is a nod to computer programming logic, reflecting the structured yet atmospheric nature of the compositions.