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Progland was founded by John Gabbard in 2005. It's purpose has been to provide you, the music community with the latest music and dvd reviews. It will continue to be your link to the most popular music reviews in the progressive world.

 

Vanden Plas-Christ O

Reviewed by: Drew Koscelek
Genre: Prog Metal
Country: USA
Language: English
Length: 77:41
Release Date: April 25, 2006
Label:
InsideOut America
Band Members: Andy Kuntz / vocals Stephan Lill / guitars
  Torsten Reichert / bass Andreas Lill / drums
  Gunter Werno / keyboards
 
Track Listing: 1.)-Christ 0 (5:37) 8.)-January Sun (10:07)
  2.)- Postcard To God (6:19) 9.)- Lost In Silence (4:21)
  3.)- Wish You Were Here (9:16) 10.)-Gethsemane [Bonus Track](6:18)
  4.)-Silently (8:33)  
  5.)- Shadow I Am (5:30),  
  6.)-Fireroses Dance (6:05)  
  7.)-Somewhere Alone In The Dark (5:32)  
     
The Review

It's been over four years since Vanden Plas has graced us with their special blend of progressive metal. In that four year hiatus, the band's lead singer, Andy Kuntz, has been quite busy working on his solo project Abydos, as well as some time on the theatre stage. Four years later, Kuntz, guitarist Stephan Lill, drummer Andreas Lill, bassist Torsten Reichert, and keyboardist Günter Werno have reunited to create one of the most powerful and brilliant progressive metal albums to date.

The album is based on The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas. Having never read this book, I cannot comment on the album's faithfulness to the story. However, I do hear that the book is one of the finest pieces of literature ever written, and I believe that this album makes an excellent tribute to that book.

From the beginning of the album, we are treated to a 40-piece classical choir of the Pfalztheater in Kaiserslautern. This intro segues into a softer melody. Quickly we are treated to some chugging guitar riffs very typical of Vanden Plas' style. The chorus is, truthfully, nothing new here - epic, powerful, and melodic. This musical theme will continue throughout the album - chugging guitar riffs, powerful keyboard and vocal melodies, and a very tight rhythm section.

"Postcard To God" starts out immediately, skipping the choir intro in favor of some nice guitar work and a few time changes as well. Kuntz's voice is as powerful as ever, too, and the keyboards once again lay the groundwork for the melody. "Wish You Were Here" takes a more laid back approach in the verses, and again becoming more powerful for the choruses. "Fireroses Dance" is a beautiful ballad that really kicks up the tempo and aggressiveness towards the end. "January Sun" stands out as possibly the most epic song on the album, and clocks in at over 10 minutes. Some amazing harmonies here, as well. Again, nothing here that Vanden Plas hasn't done before, but they are doing it so well. The only track that I feel stands out negatively is the official album closer "Lost in Silence" ("Gethsemane is a bonus track"). It really seems out of place, as if after all was said and done, the band got burned out.

So if Vanden Plas isn't reinventing the wheel, then what makes this album so good? There's a fire and passion in this disc that seems like it was missing from their last album over four years ago. The time away to focus on solo projects, and Kuntz's time on a theatrical stage have brought back a stronger, better Vanden Plas. Is this album original? Not really. But it is one of the finest progressive metal albums I've heard in a long time. Fans take note - this is Vanden Plas at its best, and for those new to the band, here is an excellent stepping stone to the catalogue of one of progressive metal's most prolific bands.

FINAL SCORE: 9/10

 

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