Anneke Van Giersbergen – The Darkest Skies are the Brightest
I heard Anneke Van Giersbergen’s voice for the first time in the vast array of metal symphonies of Arjen Lucassen. Anneke has participated in some of Lucassen’s most epic chapters of the ‘Ayreon Pantheon’; including Into the Electric Castle; “Temple of the Cat, (single), and 01011001. She also collaborated with Arjen to create the project The Gentle Storm – The Diary. Anneke was the lead vocalist for the metal band The Gathering, and now is also the lead vocalist for the metal band VUUR. In fact, The Darkest Skies are the Brightest, is Anneke’s 23rd career album.
So, I am aware of her brilliance as a vocalist and remember listening to her last solo album, Drive, in 2013. It was with great anticipation that I began previewing the songs from The Darkest Skies are the Brightest. Anneke Van Giersbergen has an almost, elven voice; as if forged from myth and historic legend. It is a wonder to listen to her every word. And The Darkest Skies are the Brightest, allows her voice the opportunity to dominate on this wonderful acoustic album, which will be released on February 26, 2021.
Anneke Van Giersbergen used the Japanese art of Kintsugi as inspiration on this album. Anneke, in fact, used a repaired heart as the album’s symbol. “Kintsugi teaches that bringing together the pieces of a broken object – with the use of a precious metal – adds value and uniqueness to it”. It was a powerful symbol for Van Giersbergen, who was having marriage troubles. The inspiration helped her to mend her marriage. “Their journey through this personal storm, and the album that Anneke created in the eye of it, proves that the darkest skies truly are the brightest”.
Every track on this album is a deep reflective narrative of how important relationships are to life, and how important they are to preserve. No amount of work is wasted in renewing their reverence. Anneke Van Giersbergen’s voice is perfect on all tracks and she lifts your emotions simultaneously as hers rises.
My favorite songs are, the opener, “Agape”, with its wonderful solo acoustic guitar and Anneke’s humming, with the strings. It reminds me of some of the best of the Innocence Mission. She also sings the album’s title with such sincerity and emotional feeling.
My favorite song is “Hurricane”. The Middle Eastern flavor is a perfect mix with the deep emotional lyrics. The acoustic guitar, bass and soft percussion take the mood up high, especially when the stomping begins. But it is her courageous lyrics that make this one of the best songs I’ve heard this year, “Day fades, the night grows dark. Deep rain, no sun, it’s hard. God, let us end the search. We crave to bless, not to curse Spin me like a hurricane. Drag me through the rain. Pour me down the drain. I feel no shame. Running like freight train. Courageous all the way. For me to wait would be insane!” Every moment a blessing. Right now, my second favorite song of the year.
“My Promise”, is another of the best songs I have heard this early part of the year, 2021. More powerful lyrics about fighting to stay together. A tribute to the work and love that go into completing that mission. Anneke sings, “I will run through fire. I will ride the storm. I swear….I will, to take you home”. All set to dramatic strings and rhythm. “Yeah, yeah, Whoa!”
“I Saw a Car” is another stand-out song full of great rhythm, harmony and melody. The stomping is awesome. Anneke’s voice sounds like what I would imagine a solo ABBA singer would sound like, without the harmony her friend.
“Keep it Simple”, is great at the end, when the chorus joins in.
“Lo and Behold”, is another lyrical giant. Great stomping, acoustics and lyrics. Anneke sings, “Does it matter? Do you care? That the world spins faster than I can bare? Wait a minute. Hold your breath. I’ll be the one beside you, at your time of death. You won’t be lonely in your afterlife. Any world you enter, I’ll be your wife….Lo and Behold…you’re not alone”. What a song of commitment.
“Survive”, has a great Gipsy Kings beat to it. A wonderful tribute to saving the globe.
This was a wonderful surprise after all the metal Anneke Van Giersbergen has participated in creating. Her voice is perfectly suited to this acoustic quality of song. I hope her next album will be a happier reflection of improvements in her life and her continuing effort to build a lasting marriage. Get this album and enjoy the journey of discovery Van Giersbergen and her husband wandered. Let it be an inspiration to your relationships. After all, as she proved here, The Darkest Skies are the Brightest.
Tracklist:
01. Agape – 4:09
02. Hurricane – 3:57
03. My Promise – 4:28
04. I Saw A Car – 3:39
05. The Soul Knows – 3:52
06. The End- 4:19
07. Keep It Simple – 3:56
08. Lo and Behold – 2:50
09. Losing You – 3:41
10. Survive – 3:47
11. Love You Like I Love You – 3:12
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