Fans will feel like they’re in the crowd at the concert

With a solo career since 2012 and two albums released, Anneke van Giersbergen’s latest project, Symphonized, is a new take on songs she’s previously recorded. Released on November 16, 2018, this album certainly captures the beauty of the Dutch singer’s voice.

As the title of the album suggests and the cover reveals, the songs are different from the original recordings due to the addition of an orchestra. For this composition, it’s with Residentie Orkest The Hague. Established in 1904, the Dutch orchestra has been on several major tours and its current, primary venue is the Zuiderstrandtheater. In Symphonized, the orchestra and Giersbergen’s voice harmonize well together and each element is at a perfect volume, in that one does not overshadow the other.

As Blabbermouth noted, Giersbergen said she was enthusiastic when she was approached by artistic director Sven Arne Tepl. She thought “it was the perfect prelude to [her] 25-year anniversary next year.” Ultimately, the 25 years on stage includes her time with The Gathering, a Dutch rock band that she joined in 1994.  

Something to make note of, however, is that this is a live album, so there is applause at the end of each track and Giersbergen does talk to the crowd a few times. At the beginning of the first track, “Feel Alive,” the applause and her response to the crowd can throw a listener off, but knowing that the recordings are from two special concerts she did this May can clear any confusion for those who purchase this album.

Furthermore, the applause at the end of each track shows that she’s well loved, but it can drag out the album. Now, live albums are certainly different from studio ones, but it should still be kept in mind that this is being listened to at home or in the car, etc. Honestly, most of the applause is okay, but during the second to last track, “Forgotten,” the applause is well over a minute long. In a four-minute song, one minute of clapping can slow the flow for people listening to the album. 

Overall, the album is a beautiful blend of orchestra and vocals that play off of and highlight each other. Once the first track starts, people will be put in a hypnotic trance due to the enchanting and eerie tone from Anneke van Giersbergen.