How to Measure a Planet?

How to Measure a Planet? is fifth studio album by the Dutch alternative rock band The Gathering. It was released on 9 November 1998 by Century Media Records. The album was recorded at Bauwhaus Studios, Amsterdam and Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum between July and October 1998 under the guidance of producer Attie Bauw. The theme of space travel runs through many of the songs on the album as well as on the cover and CD booklet. The track "Liberty Bell" was released as a single in Europe as well as in Canada via Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles #12 track 9. Upon release, the album received positive reviews from critics who appreciated the band's absorption of new styles such as shoegaze and trip-hop into its sound. Many fans of the more metallic side of the group weren't so pleased, however, and it sold about two-thirds as much as its two predecessors (although some slippage should be expected, given it was a more expensive two-CD package). Many of the Gathering's fans did stay with the band, and, as the members have said, it brought them a whole new fanbase.