Norwegian singer Silje Wergeland, who has been fronting Dutch rockers THE GATHERING since early 2009, has announced her departure from the band. Wergeland replaced Anneke Van Giersbergen, who left the group to focus on her project Agua de Annique, as lead singer of the band in early 2009.

Silje Wergeland commented: “It’s a new dawn and a new year. After 16 years of creating and playing great music with THE GATHERING, it’s time to move on to new ventures. I have had so many awesome experiences and made great memories with this band that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I wish my band mates all the best for the future. Thanks for all the great support and the lovely conversations with all you wonderful TG fans around the globe.”

A statement from the band reads as follows: 

“We’d like to thank Silje for her contribution to the band over the past 16 years. We’re very proud of the wonderful records we’ve made together (from “The West Pole” to “Beautiful Distortion”), and all the shows we’ve played. We will miss her as a fantastic vocalist and a dear friend. We wish her all the best in the future!”

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their “Mandylion” album, THE GATHERING musicians who recorded the LP — including singer Anneke Van Giersbergen — reunited for several shows in their home country this past summer.

The lineup for the concerts will consist of the following musicians:

* Anneke Van Giersbergen – vocals
* Hugo Prinsen Geerligs – bass
* Frank Boeijen – keyboards, backing vocals
* Hans Rutten – drums
* René Rutten – guitar
* Jelmer Wiersma – guitar