If there’s one album that I have been much anticipating the last couple of years, it’s Vanden Plas’ new delivery. Four (4!) years after the release of “Beyond Daylight”, which was their fourth studio offer, ‘ze Germans’ are back! With only a solo album by Andy Kuntz – Abydos, released in 2004 - and a couple of guest appearances by the others (Section A, Place Vendome a.o.), progressive metal diehards will feel relief when serving “Christ.0” to their ears. Welcome to prog metal heaven!
Contrary to the really big ones in the genre and just like bands as Shadow Gallery and IQ, Vanden Plas have always given higher priority to quality instead of quantity. Any of their previous albums has stood the test of time, from their very melodic hard rock oriented debut “Colour Temple”, originally released in 1995 to the aforementioned “Beyond Daylight”. On “Christ.0”, the band have used the same recipe as they did on its predecessor. It’s all there again, haunting guitar riffs, Kuntz’ solid vocals, intricate keyboard parts, great hooks and huge melodies.
As you may know, Vanden Plas’ members, especially Andy Kuntz, have starred in a series of German theatre productions. They initially wanted to make “Christ.0” a double album, consisting of 1 disc with heavy stuff and 1 disc with softer, more theatre oriented song material. Because of budget and time schedule reasons, that couldn’t be done, so they have decided to issue a regular album with songs in their typical style and sound, but written with a theatre production in mind, so that they can easily be adapted. This has resulted in a more orchestral sound, at least more than we’re used to from this band. The magnificently built-up tune “January Sun” for example features the 40-piece classical choir of the Kaiserslautern Pfalztheater.
Although there’s a lyrical theme throughout the album for the first time in Vanden Plas’ history – Kuntz made his own interpretation of Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count Of Monte Cristo”, musically there’s something for everyone on this disc. The opening title track pretty much shows what you may expect: straightforward songs, at least for VP standards (“Shadow I Am” could have come off their third album “Far Off Grace”), emotional pieces (“Fireroses Dance”, “Lost In Silence”), more complex tunes (“Christ.0”, “Wish You Were Here”, the splendid “Silently”) and very heavy progressive metal (“Postcard To God”, “Somewhere Alone In The Dark”). As a bonus track on the initial pressing, the band have chosen Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Gethsemane”, a song which closely relates to their theatre background.
To say “Christ.0” is Vanden Plas’ best album to date, would be a bit hasty. What I can say, is that I know less acts who have delivered five superb albums in a row. We’re undoubtedly dealing with Germany’s and one of Europe’s top progressive metal acts here. Don’t miss one of this year’s highlights! (
SL)
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melodyseeker
Vanden Plas is a class act.They have developed into their own style,away from DT!
Metalrob4662
Very Good Progressive metal, very DT like, but darker ( I like ! ). Nice production, great melodies and guitar work. another cd I recommend for this year!
nigeljames
Am I missing something here!
This is no more than a solid album nothing special at all. It is very forgettable and even a little tiring. Much better prog rock out there.
melodicmetalmark
A fantastic album from a band that always delivers. Along with G.P.S this will surely rate as one of the best albums of 2006. If you enjoyed their previous albums then have no fear, from the first time you play this album you'll know it's Vanden Plas and you know it's going to be good....no great. .
Jeffwasp
Although I am not a purist in the sense of prog metal, this is a fabulous album, and comes in at No. 2 this year for me behind Mystic Prophecy's incredible "Savage Souls". No complaints at all - the tracks rock and the musical contributions of each member are awesome. In particular, the vocals by Kuntz are clear and fit the music like a glove; the fret work by axemaster Lill is outstanding. This is an album that starts out brilliantly and yet will even improve with each listen.
rkblues
Another class CD by Vanden Plas but I have to agree with theater66. IMO they will not unseat Dream Theater on the throne of the prog metal kingdom any time soon. Still a fantastic CD...by a really great band.
AOR Ive
I bought this cd one the same day I bought the Section A album and I think they are both from the highest possible level in the progressive metal department . Andy Kuntz is also one of my favorite German vocalists together with Ralf Scheepers and Michael Kiske and for some reason he can make the songs sound better then they already are . A great return from a very classy band .
gerasczman
Amazing record,an inspired work.
Progressive metal at its best!
A quality release !
Modulator
Realy good album but "Beyond Daylight" is their masterpiece for me. Good, good, good, good....
AORPOMPY
Great stuff from one of the bands that's heading for the top in the genre.
Indeed, the vocals are the weakest part here, but musically everything is superb.
theater66
Its a really good album but im still not finding any KILLER songs, not even sure if its better than B/D but certainly a contender for album of the year. Never will Vanden plas get even close to taking over from DT as the Kings of prog/metal imo
stevevai111
I'm hungarian so i dont care the german accent. It's 6 strars:))
Great album.
snoe
What can I add to these comments what hasn't been said yet? Incredible.
madgarry
What a stunning cd, vanden plas have come up trumps with what is without doubt their best album to date...
Gordy
Well ladies and gentlemen, here it is, the album of the year. I cannot imagine a better album will be released before the year's out. This album IMO has bettered "Beyond Daylight", and that is a feat I never imagined they would achieve. I'm giving this top marks to underscore my belief in this album's greatness.
VaDeR
Great:)
Only weak point is the vocals:(.....I will never get used to that typical German accent.
Costs them 2 stars of the total;)
Pillan
With this amazing record, Vanden Plas stripped Dream Theater of the progressive metal throne!...simply superb!
WOLF 359
MAGNIFICENT
cradle1scot
Totally agree with Stijn.
Superb production and the quality of every song speaks volumes for the band. Time will tell if this is better than Beyond Daylight which up until now is my favourite Vanden Plas record.
But if you want superb prog and wonderful energy then this is the album for you. Surely a contender for album of 2006 !
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