Alone Records have announced their second wave of releases for 2016, focused on one of their favourite artist ever: Anneke Van Giersbergen (The Gentle Storm, ex-The Gathering, and a series of new and exclusive limited vinyl issues that will see the light on June 14th. Three albums ready for pre-order at The Stone Circle Store, with different colour configurations packages for any fan to be pleased.

Drive - In this second release under her own name, the Dutch all-round diva shows, again, the ability to captivate from the first spin, delivering a memorable up tempo collection of optimistic stories starting with “We Live On”, the energetic “Drive”, or the touching “My Mother Said”. This album will be released on Black vinyl (300 copies) and Gold with Blue speckles vinyl, with a limited pressing of 200.

Live In Europe - A collection of tracks from their previous three albums and new tunes, recorded in different venues across France and Spain, with Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation) on guitars and including the pertinent tribute to The Gathering with one of Anneke’s old favourites “Shrink”. The album appears as double Black vinyl (300 copies) or double Purple and Silver with colour spots vinyl, limited to only 150 units.

Everything Is Changing - Including the singles “Take Me Home” and “Feel Alive”, this album is a follow-up to a series of successful releases that continued in coming years, moving forwards to prog atmospheres and catchy tunes. Recorded halfway between the Netherlands and Ultrasound Studios in Braga, Portugal, she joined forces with Daniel Cardoso (Anathema, Leafblade) as writer, producer and musician. Released as Picture Disc, limited to 500 pressings.
 
Pre-orders are up, with limited packages including the three releases on black or coloured vinyls at The Stone Circle Store.

Anneke is currently on a solo acoustic tour for Europe and the UK. Remaining dates are listed below.

May      
12 - Gong - Turku, Finland         
13 - Semifinal - Helsinki, Finland           
14 - Good Omens - Trondheim, Norway         
20 - Thiemeloods - Nijmegen, Netherlands         
21 - Muziekcafé de Steen - Willemsoord, Netherlands         
28 - The Rock Station - Reuver, Netherlands

Anneke recently checked in with the following update:

"Dear friends, I'm very excited to announce a very special show that will take place on December 17th at Melkweg, Amsterdam. This full band performance will be part of the first ever Anneke van Giersbergen Fan Weekend, so if you have tickets for that event, you don’t need a separate ticket for this performance. Since the fan weekend is already sold out, this will be a great opportunity to hang out with fans from all over the globe that are coming to Amsterdam for this special occasion.

Tickets are available here.

But wait, there’s more. After many years of recording and touring constantly, I will be taking a break from performing live after December 17th. Besides hanging with my family and friends, reading and traveling, I also need some quiet months to fully focus on my next album. I have a plan and I think it will knock you off your feet, but I really need to take my time and make this new album the best it can possibly be. I feel like I'm on the verge of something wonderful and I want to give it my full attention when the time comes to start recording and prepare the new touring cycle somewhere in 2017. Expect something heavy and progressive folks!

You all know that I adore playing live and 2016 will be filled with shows, not only with The Gentle Storm and solo acoustic, but also in Dutch theatres with Árstíðir, so stay tuned for some more touring news soon and let’s make December 17th a night to remember!"

The first ever Anneke van Giersbergen Fan Weekend will take place December 16th – ­18th, 2016 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and will be packed with exciting events. The Fan Weekend will provide fans from all over the world with the opportunity to meet, socialize and connect with fellow fans. Anneke herself will be present during the whole weekend.

The program is as follows:

Friday, December 16th, 2016
- ­Welcome drink and goody bag
- Meet Anneke, grab some autographs, and get a professional photo taken together
- Dinner
- Acoustic solo performance at the hotel bar (including limited number of free drinks)
- Karaoke night with Anneke (including limited number of free drinks)
- Overnight accommodation included

Saturday, December 17th, 2016
- Breakfast
­- Canal boat tour in Amsterdam with a mini concert from Anneke and a special guest
­- Lunch
­- VIP sound check, go behind the scenes and watch Anneke and her band set up for their show
- Dinner
­- Anneke van Giersbergen full band performance (including limited number of free drinks)
­- Afterparty at the hotel bar (including limited number of free drinks)
­- Overnight accommodation included

Sunday, December 18th, 2016
- “Farewell for Now” breakfast
- Group photo

Go to this location for more details.