After thirteen years as the front woman for melancholic metallers, The Gathering, Anneke van Giersbergen struck out on her own in 2007. Since then, her creativity has known no bounds. Anneke quickly solidified a successful solo career (initially under the moniker Agua de Annique), and has recorded and performed with Canadian metal genius Devin Townsend multiple times. She has also lent her serene yet powerful voice to the likes of: Anathema, Icelandic folk group Árstíðir, Within Temptation, Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen, Amorphis, and prog legend John Wetton. 2012's 'Everything is Changing' was something of a milestone in Anneke's solo career. The album, which was the first to be released under her own name, received two Edison Award nominations – Holland's most prestigious music prize – in the categories 'Best Female Artist' and 'Best Album'. In October 2017, Anneke's progressive metal outfit VUUR released their much-anticipated debut album. 'In This Moment We Are Free - Cities' entered the Dutch Album Top 100 at number 2, Anneke's highest-ever chart position. 2019 saw Dutch music copyright organisation Buma Cultuur honor Anneke with the Buma ROCKS! Export Award. This is their award for the Most Successful Dutch Artist Abroad in Heavy Music. In 2021, the release of her new solo album 'The Darkest Skies Are The Brightest' will see Anneke surprise her fans all over again. Anneke tours solo, with band and also a string quartet with piano.