With a working relationship dating back to 1998, two of Holland's finest musicians have united for a new project dubbed The Gentle Storm.
Ayreon mastermind / multi-instrumentalist Arjen Lucassen and vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen - who rose to fame with The Gathering - originally crossed paths in '98 for Ayreon's breakthrough third album, Into The Electric Castle. Ten years later they teamed up again for Ayreon's seventh record, 01011001, both having established themselves as world renowned heavy metal / rock artists in the decade between releases. Although their respective musical styles went in vastly different directions during that time, Arjen and Anneke retained a common ground that ultimately led to the creation of The Gentle Storm's debut album, The Diary.
Given that both Anneke and Arjen are from Holland, they decided it would be interesting and authentic to base The Gentle Storm concept on something Dutch. The obvious choice for them was to focus on the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. It was a unique time of remarkable progress in art, mathematics and science, and much of that progress was happening in Holland.