Silje Wergeland Leaves The Gathering: A 16-Year Era in the Band’s History Comes to an End
Norwegian vocalist Silje Wergeland has officially announced her departure from the legendary Dutch rock band The Gathering, bringing to a close a collaboration that lasted 16 years. The statement was published at the end of December, in which the singer confirmed that she is no longer part of the group and reflected on one of the most significant periods of her musical career.
In her message, Silje Wergeland expressed gratitude to the members of The Gathering as well as to the band’s fans around the world, noting that the years spent with the group were an important and valuable part of her life. According to the singer, this chapter gave her a unique experience, unforgettable emotions, and many memories that will stay with her forever.
Wergeland joined The Gathering in 2009, taking over vocal duties following the departure of Anneke van Giersbergen, one of the most recognizable voices in the band’s history. Prior to that, Silje was known as the frontwoman of the Norwegian gothic rock band Octavia Sperati. With her arrival, The Gathering’s sound gained new nuances, as the band continued to move toward atmospheric and progressive rock while preserving its emotional depth and characteristic melancholy.
During the years with Silje Wergeland, the band released several studio albums and toured extensively, performing at major festivals and concert venues around the world. For many fans, this period became a distinct and self-contained chapter in the history of The Gathering, defined by a particular mood and vocal approach.
Wergeland’s departure comes amid notable developments in the band’s activity. In 2025, the musicians reunited the so-called “classic” lineup from the era of the album Mandylion, marking the 30th anniversary of the influential release. As part of the celebrations, Anneke van Giersbergen returned to the stage with the band, and the concerts generated significant attention from fans and the music press.
This lineup has already announced extensive touring plans for 2026, including shows in Europe and South America, as well as an appearance at the U.S. festival ProgPower USA. At the time of writing, no official information has been released regarding the future format of The Gathering or the appointment of a new vocalist.
Thus, Silje Wergeland’s decision brings an end to one of the longest and most important eras in the band’s history. Her contribution to the development and evolution of The Gathering remains an essential part of the group’s legacy, while fans now look ahead to the next chapter in the lives of both the singer and one of Europe’s key alternative rock bands.
